f/k/a . . .

– below are ethicalEsq postings and annotated web resources on this topic. use the Google Search Box to locate other postings covering the topic since the ethicalEsq weblog became f/k/a in May 2004 –

find our full list of annotated ethics links by clicking Ethics Resources on the Navigation Bar

• Posting 01/30/04 SelfHelpSupport.org Site Officially Launched

• Posting 6/12/03 UnCommonly Good Advice on Contingency Fees

• Posting 6/7/03 FTC Opposes Inflated Fees Based on Face Value of Coupons

• Posting 5/30/03 P/I Lawyers v. Common Good

HALT – An Organization of Americans for Legal Reform. Founded in 1978, HALT is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public interest group of more than 50,000 members, and proudly states that it is “the nation’s largest and oldest legal reform organization. Dedicated to the principle that all Americans should be able to handle their legal affairs simply, affordably and equitably, HALT’s Reform Projects challenge the legal establishment to improve access and reduce costs in our civil justice system at both the state and federal levels.

The Legal Reformer: HALT’s Membership Newsletter This publication is available for free online, and is mailed to all HALT members. It includes articles on HALT projects and publications, as well as a roundup of legal reform news from across the nation

Federal Trade Commission This is one government agency that understands the importance of information and competition to consumer welfare — and refuses to let professions get off the hook with their pious paternal instincts and frequently anticompetitive self-regulation.

Nolo.com Democracy Corner: With the rally cry of “Let’s Fix America’s Dysfunctional Legal System,” the self-help-law publisher Nolo.com presents its wish list of changes to the legal system and legal ethics. See the Nolo Contends webpage, which describes the Nolo philosophy of legal reform: Law for All, Remove Barriers to Access, Stimulate Reform of Law. Topics covered in essays on the site include expanding small claims court jurisdicition, combating excessive contingency fees, preventing the use of rules against the Unauthorized Practice of Law to ban self-help books and software and the use of nonlawyer advisors, ending probate laws. For a smile, see Nolo Lawyer Joke Emporium

Overlawyered.com: Legal Ethics in Crisis Edited by Walter Olson, Overlawyered.com covers many aspects of the legal profession’s effects on society, politics, and clients, with an emphasis on the problem of excessive litigation. Overlawyer’s ethics page includes sections on excessive fees, faulty disciplinary systems, the failure to fully inform clients, and more, with links to relevant articles, sites and reports.

SelfHelpSupport.org. The site is a project of The National Center for State Courts. It enables courts and legal aid programs from across the country that address the challenges of pro se litigants to share their innovations and best practices. Its online library of resources has more than 400 items, links to articles and reports, and original documents, organized into 16 subject folders. An excellent resource page for self-represented litigants is also provided.

American Antitrust Institute This nonprofit thinktank has produced a Guide to Antitrust Resources on the Web that includes a major section on Lawyers and Legal Services, including sections on Applying the Antitrust Laws to the Legal Profession, Defining the Practice of Law, Protecting Clients through Competition, Information and Fair Ethical Rules, and Multi-Disciplinary Practice (MDP).
Common Good This social action group has its sights on the broader issue of an overly-litigious society. However, its Early-Offer Settlement proposal is aimed at getting the victim-client a bigger share of the proceeds from cases that settle early.
FindLaw for the Public! Findlaw.com says “site is here to help you find solutions to your legal issues by providing you with easy and comprehensive access to lawyers and legal information.” Find the topic index here. Its Lawsuits & Lawyers page lists many articles of interest, including on being sued, deciding to bring a lawsuit, representing yourself, small claims courts, and more.