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Conflicts of Interest Policy

Conflicts of Interest Policy

LegalResearch.com avoids conflicts of interest when delivering research and writing services to LegalResearch.com customers through three principal methods: (a) following LegalResearch.com policy; (b) contract language with LegalResearch.com Research Attorneys; and (c) strictly observing ethics rules.

LegalResearch.com Policy

LegalResearch.com avoids conflicts of interest by declining assignments if it or its Research Attorneys have provided services to opposing counsel on the same case. LegalResearch.com accepts research and writing projects on a first-come, first-served basis. With each customer request LegalResearch.com asks its attorney-customer to identify:

  • all opposing counsel;
  • the firm names of each opposing counsel; and
  • each party to the lawsuit.

This information is then cross-referenced against LegalResearch.com’s conflicts file. If LegalResearch.com’s services have been employed by opposing counsel for any issue in that case, the second attorney is informed, and LegalResearch.com declines the assignment. Although this policy exceeds accepted ethical obligations, LegalResearch.com adopted this policy to assure independence of its research judgment and eliminate apprehension about LegalResearch.com working on both sides of a case.

LegalResearch.com Contracts with its Research Attorneys

LegalResearch.com also guards against possible conflicts through its contractual arrangements. LegalResearch.com Research Attorney contracts prohibit them from undertaking projects that create a conflict of interest. If he or she identifies a potential conflict, he or she is obligated to inform LegalResearch.com, and to cease work on the project. Such projects will be reassigned unless LegalResearch.com, in consultation with its customers, resolves the conflict.

Ethical Obligations

All of LegalResearch.com’s Research Attorneys are licensed attorneys obligated to comply with the ethical requirements of their licensing state. As of the year 2013, 49 states (including Minnesota, LegalResearch.com’s headquarters), the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands have adopted a version of the ABA’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct. See Minn. Rules of Professional Conduct. (California has adopted its own rules for attorney ethics. See California Rules of Professional Conduct (2013).) LegalResearch.com’s Research Attorneys are bound by several ethical rules that are specifically designed to avoid conflicts of interest. See, e.g., Rules 1.7–1.11.

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“I just wanted to express my appreciation and to compliment your staff for the outstanding assistance you provided me. The trial brief and post-trial brief were an invaluable contribution to the over-all effort that achieved the largest verdict in Wisconsin history. I would not hesitate to call upon your services again in the future and I would enthusiastically recommend your services to other attorneys.”

Donald A. Shapiro

Chicago, Illinois

“I think LRC fills a very valuable role. There is no way that my firm, or most firms, could produce these projects for the same cost. I know that you thought that I was unusual in directing a client to LRC rather than capturing the work for my firm, but I believe that my professional responsibility is to obtain the best overall result for my client.”

Dennis Black

Goldberg Kohn’s Corporate Securities & Tax Group, Chicago, ND

“I was in trial, just an hour away from closing arguments when the judge made a bad ruling on a jury instruction. I called at 12:15 P.M. and told you that I needed a case to support my position...within 45 minutes you provided me with the case, the judge gave the jury the appropriate instruction, and we won.”

Steven Cahill

Moorhead, Minnesota

“Your brief is absolutely wonderful! That you did it so fast is amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Linda Holstein

Minneapolis, MN