The American Bar Association recently made changes to its “Model Rules of Professional Conduct.” This recent change prompted the state of Ohio to evaluate its professional rules of conduct. After a thorough review, Ohio’s Supreme Court ruled to adopt the changes. The most notable amendments are listed below:
- Lawyers must stay privy to both the risks and rewards involving technology. This includes, but is not limited to, making a “reasonable effort” to keep client information confidential.
- Expanding Rule 4.4 to include electronically stored information. This increases the lawyer’s responsibility upon receiving information.
- Concerning Rules 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 involving online advertising, telemarketing, and text message solicitations.
- Lawyers are now allowed limited disclosures of confidential information for the purpose of discovering and resolving conflicts – conflicts that specifically involve a change of employment or ownership of a law firm.
- Lawyers are prohibited from soliciting minors as potential clients.
To view the amendments, visit the Supreme Court document.