Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests

Lawyers are allowed to join groups that work on changing laws or how the legal system works, even if those changes might affect one of their clients. Being active in law reform organizations, like serving as an officer or board member, is fine even when the lawyer also represents clients who have a stake in the outcome.

The one catch is honesty about conflicts. If a lawyer knows that a decision they're helping make in the organization would clearly help one of their clients, they have to speak up and say so. They don't have to name the client or give details, just let others in the organization know that they have a personal stake in the matter.

This rule exists so lawyers can stay involved in public service and legal reform work without constantly worrying that it conflicts with their client duties. At the same time, it keeps things transparent so other people in the organization know when a lawyer might benefit personally, even indirectly, from a decision.