New York City Bar Ethics Opinions
Free plain-English summaries of legal ethics opinions issued by the New York City Bar, with full citations and source links on every page.
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What does a New York lawyer have to do when AI tools (whether the lawyer's or the client's) record, transcribe, and summarize attorney-client conversations on Zoom, Teams, or similar platforms?
The opinion concludes the lawyer must obtain client consent before AI records the call, must independently review any AI-generated transcript or summary for accuracy, must safeguard confidentiality an…
When does a New York lawyer's strongly held personal, religious, political, or moral view create a Rule 1.7(a)(2) personal-interest conflict that requires the lawyer to decline or withdraw from a representation?
The opinion concludes such conflicts are rare; the Rules presume lawyers cultivate detachment and can subordinate personal views. A Rule 1.7(a)(2) conflict arises only when the lawyer subjectively con…
If a New York lawyer signs a contract (engagement letter, outside-counsel guideline, or employment policy) that purports to limit the lawyer's Rules-granted discretion, is the lawyer ethically bound by that contract?
The opinion concludes that lawyer and client cannot alter the Rules by agreement; a New York lawyer always retains the discretion the Rules grant, even where exercising it would breach a contract. Ent…
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Legal ethics opinions from the New York City Bar interpret the rules of professional conduct for working lawyers, in response to inquiries from members and committees. They are not binding like court discipline decisions, but courts and discipline boards treat formal opinions as substantial guidance on how the rules apply. Every opinion above has a plain-English question and short answer, plus a link to the original source on the bar's site.