Flashcards Studio

Atty. Marco Dizon represents Client A in a civil case before the Regional Trial Court. A non-lawyer intermediary, who operates a charitable foundation linked to Client B, meets with Marco and says: “If you secure a favorable settlement for Client A or push the case to dismissal, the foundation will donate a substantial amount to your firm’s charitable arm and will guarantee ongoing advisory work for your firm.” The intermediary emphasizes that the donation is a token of gratitude and hints that continued funding could depend on the outcome. Marco records the encounter, declines to discuss terms further, and continues to represent Client A with independence. (a) Identify the controlling doctrine. (b) Does Marco’s conduct comply with or violate the rule against improper considerations and external influence? Distinguish the controlling rule from permissible advocacy. (c) What steps should Marco take to preserve independence, and what are potential consequences if a lawyer yields to such pressure?