Opinion 76
Question Presented
Where an attorney has knowledge of an individual's interest in a trust fund, of which right the individual is ignorant, would it be a violation of the Canons of Ethics for such attorney to approach the individual and make the facts known to him on a contract percentage based on the amount of the trust fund?
18 Baylor L. Rev. 229 (1966)
SOLICITATION - EMPLOYMENT TRUSTS
An attorney who has knowledge of an individual's interest in a trust fund, of which interest the individual is ignorant, should acquaint the individual with the facts as to his interest in the trust fund, but, in passing on the information, may not make any suggestion as to employment.
Canon 24.
The committee agrees that the attorney should acquaint the individual with the facts as to his interest in the trust fund, but, in passing on such information, should the attorney make any suggestion as to employment, either on a cash or contingent fee basis such conduct would be in direct violation of Canon 24 which prohibits solicitation of business, directly or indirectly. (9-0)
Bluebook Citation
Tex. Comm. On Professional Ethics, Op. 76 (1953)