Rule 3.07 Agreements of Counsel

When lawyers make a deal or agreement about a case, that deal needs to be properly documented to actually count. If the lawyers agree to something out loud while standing before the judge, the court reporter has to write it down, or the judge has to sign an official order confirming the agreement. Without one of these steps, the agreement won't be enforceable.

For any other agreements between lawyers, like ones made outside the courtroom, they need to be put in writing and filed with the other paperwork in the case. This means a handshake deal or a verbal promise made over the phone won't hold up later if there's a dispute. Getting it in writing and on file protects everyone involved and gives the court a clear record of what was actually agreed to.