Samuel C Stretton

March 23, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

In major litigation, my firm hires document lawyers to review documents and provide summaries. They are paid as independent contractors sometimes, and other times, if they are going to be there for a period of time, they are treated as temporary employees where taxes are taken out. Are there any ethical obligations presented?

By Samuel C. Stretton

14 minute read

March 16, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

I am an older attorney and I had a problem with an application I filed for a mortgage. Something was incorrect in the application. I believe they are going to file a complaint with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Since this has nothing to do with the practice of law, but was my personal home mortgage, is there any misconduct here by me that would violate the Rules of Professional Conduct?

By Samuel C. Stretton

16 minute read

March 09, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

Can a lawyer represent someone in litigation when the other side is represented by a relative or a spouse?

By Samuel C. Stretton

15 minute read

March 02, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

I read your article about attorney-client privilege and how the privilege survives after death. But, there are several other exceptions that may be of interest and I am asking if you would discuss those.

By Samuel C. Stretton

11 minute read

February 23, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

I am a judicial officer. When I am deciding cases, besides my law clerk, sometimes I'll talk to my staff such as my court officer to get his thoughts. Sometimes I'll call another judge to get his input. Is that permissible or would that be ex parte communication?

By Samuel C. Stretton

17 minute read

February 16, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

I am an older practicing lawyer and I see I can place my law license on a retirement status. What are the advantages or disadvantages of doing so?

By Samuel C. Stretton

18 minute read

February 09, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

Our firm has an ethics committee. I wish to consult with the ethics committee about issues arising out of my representation of a client of a firm. Can I do so without creating a conflict with the client, or do I have to notify the client? Would your answer change if my consultation was not with the in-house ethics committee, but I sought the advice of outside ethics counsel?

By Samuel C. Stretton

17 minute read

February 02, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

Judicial races in Pennsylvania are scheduled for elections in 2017 and there is also an appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. What is the most important quality needed for a judicial officer and what should be looked for?

By Samuel C. Stretton

21 minute read

January 31, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

Are the recordkeeping requirements set forth in the Rules of Professional Conduct and the Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement being enforced?

By Samuel C. Stretton

19 minute read

January 19, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

I am a lawyer and also a district justice. Also, as a lawyer, I have a small law firm in the county where I am a district justice. What can I do in my firm as an attorney?

By Samuel C. Stretton

25 minute read