Can An Attorney Loan A Client Money?
I am sure my case is going to settle soon. Can my attorney lend me money toward the settlement I know I am going to receive?
No. In Tennessee it is unethical for an attorney to loan you money while he or she is representing you in a case. Rumor has it that some attorneys will promise potential clients that they will help them with living expenses and that some attorneys actually do it. Indeed, some people say that some attorneys will offer money to clients in an effort to get hired by the clients. However, this is wrong, and an attorney who promises to do so or actually does so should be reported to the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility at 800.486.5714. This sort of conduct can result in discipline against the attorney, including the loss of his or her law license.
Why should you care about the ethical failings of an attorney? If the attorney is willing to risk his or her law license to get your case, do you really think you can trust them to represent you with your best interests in mind?
