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Probate & Trust Law Section Conference Manual ... - Minnesota CLE

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1.6(b)(3) to reveal information about the client, but only to the extent reasonably<br />

necessary to protect the client’s interests.” (MRPC 1.14(c)).<br />

1. “The client may wish to have family members or other persons participate in<br />

discussions with the lawyer. When necessary to assist in the representation, the<br />

presence of such persons generally does not affect the applicability of the<br />

attorney-client evidentiary privilege. Nevertheless, the lawyer must keep the<br />

client’s interests foremost and, except for protective action authorized under<br />

paragraph (b), must look to the client, and not family members, to make<br />

decisions on the client’s behalf.” (Comment to MRPC 1.14, 3).<br />

2. “If a legal representative has not been appointed, the lawyer should consider<br />

whether appointment of a guardian ad litem, conservator, or guardian is<br />

necessary to protect the client’s interests.” (Comment to MRPC 1.14, 7).<br />

a. “In many circumstances, however, appointment of a legal representative<br />

may be more expensive or traumatic for the client than circumstances<br />

require.” (Id.).<br />

b. “In considering alternatives, however, the lawyer should be aware of any<br />

law that requires the lawyer to advocate the least restrictive action on behalf<br />

of the client.” (Id.).<br />

3. CAUTION: “Disclosure of the client’s diminished capacity could adversely<br />

affect the client’s interests. For example, raising the question could, in some<br />

circumstances, lead to proceedings for involuntary commitment. . . . At the very<br />

least, the lawyer should determine whether it is likely that the person or entity<br />

consulted will act adversely to the client’s interests before discussing matters<br />

related to the client. The lawyer’s position in such cases in an unavoidably<br />

difficult one.” (Comment to MRPC 1.14, 8).<br />

II.<br />

Attorney as Advisor – <strong>Minnesota</strong> Rules of Professional Conduct:<br />

A. Preamble, 2: “As advisor, a lawyer provides a client with an informed<br />

understanding of the client’s legal rights and obligations and explains their practical<br />

implications.”<br />

B. Rule 2.1: “In rendering advice, a lawyer may refer not only to the law but to other<br />

considerations such as moral, economic, social, and political factors that may be<br />

relevant to the client’s situation.”<br />

1. “Advice couched in narrow legal terms may be of little value to a client,<br />

especially where practical considerations, such as costs or effects on other<br />

people, are predominant. Purely technical legal advice, therefore, can sometimes<br />

be inadequate. It is proper for a lawyer to refer to relevant moral and ethical<br />

considerations in giving advice. Although a lawyer is not a moral advisor as<br />

2

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