ETHICS OPINION 234-1925

ETHICS OPINION 234

NUMBER 234 1925

Question. A lawyer connected with the faculty of a Jaw school conducts quiz courses at certain periods of the year relating to approaching local Bar examinations, for attendance upon which course he charges a stipulated fee per student. It has been decided in People ex rel Chicago Bar Association v. Baker, 142 N.E. 554, that it is not unprofessional for him to conduct such courses, provided he does not advertise or represent that he can or will furnish a student with any question or questions about to be used by the Board of Law Examiners. A advertises these courses in connection with the law school in which he teaches.

Would it be unprofessional in your opinion if A employed runners or solicitors to whom he paid or promised compensation in the nature of a commission for each student secured for these special courses?

Answer, Instinctively a law student looks to his teachers not only as sources of information on law but for instruction by precept and example in the duties which a lawyer owes to the community, and in the ethics of his profession. A lawyer assuming the duty of teaching applicants for admission to the Bar should recognize the principles of ethics and should have the same regard for the dignity of his profession as is required of his professional brethren in active practice.

In the opinion of the Committee the employment of runners or solicitors, on a commission basis, to procure pupils for a quiz course would be objectionable as beneath the essential dignity of the profession.