Defining "Client" in Ethics Rules Forum

[dougroberts]

Where, if anywhere, is there a definition as to who is a (current) client and who is not in the ABA Model Rules or Restatements of Governing Lawyers?

I see ABA Rule 1.13 defines an "organization as a client" and ABA Model Rule 1.18(a) defines "prospective client."

My prof always likes everything defined on the final exams, so I would like a rule that specifies what is a client. In some cases, who is the client can be tricky.

[RW65]

There is nothing in the Model Rules that assist in determining when someone is a client. The test that I have from my professor is:

- Does this person believe they are your client?
- If so, is this belief reasonable under the circumstances?
- Always answer these questions from the "client's" perspective.

[king3780]

There is nothing in the Model Rules that assist in determining when someone is a client. The test that I have from my professor is:

- Does this person believe they are your client?
- If so, is this belief reasonable under the circumstances?
- Always answer these questions from the "client's" perspective.

+1. That's basically the test my prof gave us.