Georgia Legal Report
Over 10 years ago, The Murray Law Firm founded S.A.C.’E.M., the Stop Ambulance Chasing Ethical Movement. This campaign was designed to combat theaggressive, unethical, and sometimes illegal actions of lawyers or their representatives engaging in what has become commonly know as “ambulance chasing” or “case running.” Attempts by attorneys or their representatives to directly contact victims regarding potential legal representation has increased significantly. These efforts have included telephone calls, letters, e-mails and in-person visits. We have also seen increased traffic on our websites from firms and entities who appear to be seeking information relating to possible legal claims for the purposes of soliciting legal representation from victims of crimes and negligent conduct.
A LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” ON AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.
– RULE 7.3, ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts an injured victim in person or via telephone without solicitation, that attorney is in violation of Rule 7.3 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. This Rule has been adopted by most states, and some states go further to prohibit or limit contact by attorneys via methods such as mail or e-mail. Unethical and unprofessional solicitation by an attorney or their representative is likely a good sign that an injured victim should stay away from that attorney. An injured victim should seek to be represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association.
Through a partnership with our Clients, potential Clients and technology providers, we will continue our efforts to identify and report violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct to State Bar Associations and appropriate authorities. If you have been contacted in an unsolicited manner, please contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.
Thank you for helping us put an end to the unethical practice of ambulance chasing.
