Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests

Lawyers can get involved in groups that work on changing laws or improving how the legal system runs, even if those changes might end up affecting one of their clients. Being a client's lawyer does not stop someone from also serving as a director, officer, or member of a law reform organization.

But there is one requirement. If a lawyer knows that a decision they are helping make in that organization could seriously affect a client's interests, they have to speak up about it. They need to tell the organization that a conflict exists. However, they do not have to reveal who the client is. This keeps the client's identity private while still being honest about the potential conflict.

This rule exists because law reform work benefits the public, and lawyers often have valuable expertise to offer these organizations. The rule lets lawyers contribute to that work without constantly worrying that any client connection will force them out. At the same time, it keeps things transparent so other members of the organization know when a potential conflict might be shaping someone's input.