Can a lawyer represent Uncle Joe or Cousin Sarah? Short answer: Yes, but with some serious fine print.
The Big Picture
Georgia plays by the American Bar Association’s rulebook. Consider it a playbook for legal professionals who keep things above board.
What Lawyers Need to Watch Out For
Conflict Central
Imagine you’re at a family reunion, and suddenly, you’re also in lawyer mode. This is a red flag. The lawyer must ensure they can stay completely neutral. There are no playing favorites, and there is no behind-the-scenes family drama influencing legal strategy.
The Consent Conversation
If there’s even a whiff of potential conflict, the lawyer needs to sit down and have THE talk. This means full disclosure, written consent, no handshake agreements, and no “trust me, we’re family” shortcuts.
Professional Mode: Activated
Family ties stay outside the conference room. The lawyer must deliver the exact top-tier representation they’d give any client walking through their door.
Danger Zones to Dodge
Family vs. Family Showdowns: Representing one relative against another? A recipe for disaster.
Emotional Hurricanes: Bring in an outside lawyer if the case is more soap operas than legal proceedings.
Key Takeaway: Just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. Lawyers must be brutally honest with themselves about their ability to stay objective.
Legal Disclaimer (because, well, lawyers): This isn’t just a casual suggestion. It’s a professional, ethical minefield that requires serious, careful navigation.
