Solicitation by Lawyers and Professional Ethics

Over the years, there has been a troubling practice of solicitation by lawyers. It is that practice that has led to the “ambulance chaser” moniker that some use to label lawyers.
The truth is that such behavior is unethical and illegal in addition to being a gross invasion of a family’s privacy. We feel that an informed decision based on interview of the lawyers and his staff and personal recommendations are the most appropriate way to select a lawyer when help is needed.
Several years ago, lawyers in Georgia (mostly in the Atlanta area and some who came to Columbus for fresher pastures) were able to obtain copies of police reports from the police station each morning and then went to work calling on the victims throughout the day looking for cases. Fortunately, the legislature tightened up on such practices and now limits who can obtain the police reports.
Remarkably, some lawyers still find ways to try to “get the case”. We have heard of lawyers who hire staff to listen to police monitors and go to accident scenes to collect photographs – only later to “offer “ those photos to the victims and solicit representation. Others have reported that cards are passed out at hospital ER rooms and calls are made to family members shortly after being released from the hospital. Still others find a way to obtain information from police and hospital sources and follow up those leads with calls. Injured persons should know that it is illegal for attorneys (other than those who are personal friends and family members) to have themselves or someone else on their behalf solicit the injured in person by contacting them directly (known as "direct personal contact") or by calling them on the telephone ("live telephone contact"). See Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct 7.3.
Recently a man who claims these practices occurred in Alabama took action and filed a lawsuit against the firm which they claimed had acted improperly. A summary of that recent case is attached here.
The lawyers and their staff are now having to answer to these allegations in court.

If someone you don't know slips you a card, or calls you at home to "help", be suspicious. Most of these "helpful" calls - even those from a hospital representative - are probably not made in your best interest.

If you think these practices are improper, you are not alone. Make sure that you find an ethical attorney who complies with the Georgia Professional Rules of Conduct and has not sent a "runner" on their behalf to solicit you during your time of loss or hardship. If you have been illegally solicited by an attorney or a "runner" consider how that reflects on the firm and why they would resort to such tactics. By all means find another attorney and report the conduct to the State Bar of Georgia at 1-800-334-6865 or the Bar Association governing your jurisdiction.