20060073 | Office of Legal Ethics Counsel & Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri

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Informal Opinion Number: 20060073

Rules: 4-1.7; 4-1.4

Client-Lawyer Relationship

Conflict of Interest: Current Clients

QUESTION: Can Attorney tell a client that Attorney will provide free or reduced cost estate planning services to a client who leaves a portion of their estate to a not-for-profit organization?
ANSWER: It is permissible for Attorney to offer a discount on estate planning to clients who leave a portion of their estates to a not-for-profit organization. Attorney must clearly and fully disclose Attorney’s relationship with the organization. Attorney must provide objective advice and consultation to the clients regarding their options and the effects of their choices

Informal Opinions are ethics advisory opinions issued by the Office of Legal Ethics Counsel to members of the Bar about Rule 4 (Rules of Professional Conduct), Rule 5 (Complaints and Proceedings Thereon), and Rule 6 (Fees to Practice Law) pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Rule 5.30(c). Written summaries of select Informal Opinions are published for informational purposes as determined by the Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Missouri pursuant to Rule 5.30(c). Informal opinion summaries are advisory in nature and are not binding. These opinions are published as an educational service and do not constitute legal advice.

To request an Informal Opinion, please visit: http://mo-legal-ethics.org/for lawyers/requesting-an-informal-advisory-opinion/.