Legal Question in Personal Injury in New York

Lawyer is a witness.

I was a witness to a slip and fall that happened 2 years ago. The person who fell retained an attorney and is suing. Now, 2 yeasr later I am being offered a job and maybe a partnership in the firm that represents the person who fell. If there an issue to be an eye witness to slip and fall and also be part of the firm representing the party?


Asked on 8/24/08, 2:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Lawyer is a witness.

This sounds like a tricky business with a funny-looking aspect to it. If there has ever been any mention, even remotely, of your eye-witness testimony in discussions of your employment/partnership, that's reason enough to consider a pass. It is, however, hard to imagine any falldown case being worth jeopardizing a legal career. Remember that you must, as a lawyer, always avoid any appearance of impropriety. Why not consider getting an official ethics opinion from the NYC Bar Association?. Good luck. Best, MEZ

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Answered on 8/24/08, 3:00 pm


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