Ethics Opinion

Attorney Levine, who has represented an indigent mother in a child protection matter asks whether the representation violated Rule 3.7 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (Lawyer as Witness) where the attorney initiated and administered a crowdfunding' campaign for the benefit of her client. On the facts presented, we see no violation of Rule 3.7, and we take this opportunity to address ethical issues a lawyer must consider when undertaking a crowdfunding campaign for the benefit of a client.