Ethics Question of the Week: What ethical obligations are involved in hiring a nonlawyer assistant?

Q. What ethical obligations should I be aware of if I wish to employ a nonlawyer assistant?

A.  IRPC 5.3 requires that nonlawyer assistants be adequately supervised.  It states: “With respect to a nonlawyer employed or retained by or associated with a lawyer:…a lawyer having direct supervisory authority over the nonlawyer shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the person’s conduct is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer.” 

For more information, consult ISBA Advisory Opinion 13-08.

ISBA members can browse past ISBA Ethics Opinions, access our Ethics Hotline, and other resources on the ISBA Ethics Page.

[Disclaimer.  These questions are representative of calls received on the ISBA’s ethics hotline.  The information provided below is meant as an educational tool to highlight potentially applicable Illinois RPC or other ethics resources that might help the lawyer answer the question posed.  The information provided isn’t legal advice.  Because every situation is different, often complex, and the law is constantly evolving, you shouldn’t rely upon this general information without conducting your own research.]