Samuel C Stretton

October 26, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

The Smart Start-ignition interlock device is apparently advertising heavily in Pennsylvania due to the new changes of the rules for ignition interlock.

By Samuel C. Stretton

17 minute read

October 19, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

Payment to witnesses who are not experts is very limited and governed to a large extent by the Rules of Professional Conduct. Under Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.4(b), a lawyer cannot pay or offer payment to a witness contingent upon the content of the witness' testimony or the outcome of the case.

By Samuel C. Stretton

7 minute read

October 12, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

To evaluate the issue, one has to get away from the news articles and stories. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, a few years ago, added Rule of Professional Conduct 5.7 that talks about when a law firm is involved in a non-law related business.

By Samuel C. Stretton

14 minute read

October 05, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

One of the most important things any lawyer should learn is that it really doesn't do one much good to spend to their time criticizing their opponent or trying to suggest their opponent is a bad lawyer or doesn't act honestly.

By Samuel C. Stretton

22 minute read

September 28, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

I am a practicing trial lawyer and I constantly see my opponents write letters to the judge assigned to the case raising issues. These letters are always copied to myself or other opposing counsel. Where is the line for ex parte contact?

By Samuel C. Stretton

9 minute read

September 21, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

I read your article about the independence of outside counsel versus in-house corporate counsel. I have seen more and more litigations are being handled in-house by insurance companies either through staff counsel or through "captured law firms," even though those firms might have the appearance of a private firm but they are owned by the insurance company. Is this ethical or does it create issues?

By Samuel C. Stretton

9 minute read

September 14, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

I noted billboards and other advertisements of a firm that is primarily based in Florida advertising in Pennsylvania. The firm features a picture of apparently the senior partner who states words to the effect, "I am your lawyer." They are advertising for personal injury cases. The ads give the impression that that lawyer will handle the cases. I am only aware of one office and one newly admitted lawyer in Pennsylvania for the firm. Is that ethical?

By Samuel C. Stretton

11 minute read

September 07, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

In a conflict of interest where I represented a person previously, what does "substantially related" mean in terms of disqualification?

By Samuel C. Stretton

9 minute read

August 24, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

Can lawyers make gifts to the judiciary, either directly or indirectly, as an institution and, if so, would it require disqualification?

By Samuel C. Stretton

15 minute read

August 17, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

I have an active criminal defense practice and have a very good plea agreement for my client, but he has to waive any rights to appeal and any rights to claim my ineffectiveness. Can I allow that to happen?

By Samuel C. Stretton

10 minute read