General business practitioners serving as outside counsel for companies face unique challenges in defining their client relationships. While retained by an organization—whether a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity—these attorneys represent the organization itself, not its shareholders, members, officers, directors, managers, or employees. This distinction can often lead to misunderstandings, as clients may not hire general counsel for a specific task and may later seek advice on various legal issues.

It is crucial for general business practitioners to clearly communicate the boundaries of their professional relationships with clients and their constituents. Misunderstandings about the attorney's role can lead to ethical dilemmas, including potential complaints to the Counsel for Discipline.

In this article for The Nebraska Lawyer, attorney Dan McDowell outlines the basic ethical principles in the Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct governing client identity and interaction when representing an organization, along with practical steps to help general business practitioners clarify their client relationships.

Read the full article at the link below.

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