Samuel C Stretton

January 02, 2024 | The Legal Intelligencer

For years, I have worked on a major case that had multiple plaintiffs. A settlement has been reached but the other side wants me to agree not to handle any more of these. Quite frankly, I do not want to handle any more but can I reach such an agreement?

By Samuel C. Stretton

8 minute read

December 20, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

I have an associate who recently left the firm. He was just admitted in another jurisdiction and only does immigration work. He can apparently be admitted in any jurisdiction for immigration court as long as he is licensed in another state. He left my firm and took four or five good paying clients. Initially, I did not notice, but I have just discovered it. Did he violate any duties to me?

By Samuel C. Stretton

7 minute read

December 14, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

My secretary/paralegal referred an excellent personal injury case to the firm and it was recently settled. I wish to reward her and pay her some of the fee sort of like a referral fee, or perhaps just a bonus. Can I do so?

By Samuel C. Stretton

6 minute read

December 07, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

I am a criminal defense lawyer. If my client rejects a plea offer, many times the judge colloquies the criminal defendant about the plea. Oftentimes, the district attorneys will insist that the colloquy takes place, and sometimes defense lawyers do too. Is there anything wrong with this?

By Samuel C. Stretton

12 minute read

November 30, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

I am involved with politics as a lawyer. With the upcoming election, I may be hired to challenge nominating petitions. Can I be assessed counsel fees?

By Samuel C. Stretton

9 minute read

November 22, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

As a Common Pleas Court judge, can I invest in a business run by a family member?

By Samuel C. Stretton

9 minute read

November 16, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

You have been writing your column now for approximately 28 years. If you had a magic wand, what changes would you make to the current judicial system in Pennsylvania?

By Samuel C. Stretton

8 minute read

November 09, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

I am attempting to collect monies a lawyer owes me pursuant to a judgement. I have been litigating this. I know fees were paid to the lawyer, and they are in his IOLTA account on this same case. Can I try to garnish on the ESCROW account?

By Samuel C. Stretton

7 minute read

November 02, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

I am a lawyer representing a client in a civil case and there is a deadline to file substantive documents to preserve a claim. In the last day, the opponent's lawyer, who I know, called me and said they were uncertain of the time to file. Did I have a duty to tell the opponent's lawyer that the deadline was that very day?

By Samuel C. Stretton

8 minute read

October 26, 2023 | The Legal Intelligencer

I am a young attorney and wish to also become very much politically involved. Are there any pitfalls from doing that as an attorney?

By Samuel C. Stretton

8 minute read