Intimate relations between attorneys and their clients represent a growing problem that threatens not only the participating parties, but their colleagues and law firm partners.

Increasingly, bar associations have reacted swiftly and severely to situations in which there was even a mere suggestion that an attorney exploited a client relationship, acted improperly or engaged in an intimate relationship with a client. At least 29 states, including California, have adopted rules that tie professional sanctions or disbarment to sexual contact with a client. In addition to Rule 3-120 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct, which regulates sexual relationships with clients, Section 6109.9 of the Business and Profession Code prohibits attorney-client sexual relations under various circumstances.

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