Code of ethics and policies by Associated bureaus

Author:Associated bureaus. [from old catalog]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Street-railroads, Accident insurance claims
Publisher: [Pittsburgh, Murdoch, Kerr & co.
Published: 1916-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

THE LEGAL PROFESSION

THESE Associated Bureaus, in their rela* tions with attorneys - at - law, are ever mindful of the pronouncement of the courts, whose officers those attorneys are, that it is a duty of the high calling of the latter to discourage litigation, rather than to overtax the courts with the hearing of issues that well might be adjusted amicably between the parties thereto. It is held further to be in proper conformity with that principle that an attorney representing a party intending to make claim against any of these Companies should give due notice thereof, afford opportunity for unhindered inquiry into the facts, and co-operate in an effort to arrive at an amicable and reasonable disposition in accordance therewith.

It must be held also that the solicitation of a client, whether by the attorney himself or by his agent, trespasses beyond the province of the attorney, and is less unethical only than to furnish funds to a client wherewith to prosecute an

unnecessary legal action, or to sustain himself pending the outcome of such an action.

Manifestly it is improper for the attorney to make demand for monetary reimbursement to his client in a sum evidently and intentionally exorbitant. It were unfair and unjust to base an amicable compromise upon the limit of what might be hoped to be recovered by chance at a remote time.

Contingent fee arrangements between client and attorney based upon intended division in undue and unfair proportions of a settlement, or a verdict, must be held by these Associated Bureaus to be inimical to public policy and tending to defeat justice. Such unusual fee proportions tend to encourage exorbitant demands and the unjustified litigation resulting therefrom; because only persons entitled to something, but who demand much more than that to which they are entitled; or persons entitled to nothing, but who desire something, regardless of their right thereto, now find excuse for bringing suit against these Companies.

Only in the event that an attorney shall so flagrantly violate the ethics of his profession and the approved procedure of the Bar as to solicit a claim, withhold opportunity for proper inquiry and amicable adjustment before instituting needless litigation, or demand manifestly and intentionally exorbitant payment for his client, do these Associated Bureaus reserve the obvious right to protect the interests of the Companies which they serve, by settlement direct with the principal, or other proper action.

These Associated Bureaus are desirous of fair and cordial relations with all those members of the Bar whose professional demeanor is in accordance with the well recognized standards contemplated herein; and to such members of the profession, these Bureaus engage to recognize and treat with solely any such attorney duly retained, if negotiations looking toward an adjustment are desired.

Members of These Associated Bureaus

Exemplification of the spirit and the letter of this Code of Ethics and Policies is effected by executive pronouncement

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