Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests

Lawyers are allowed to join groups that work on reforming laws or how laws are carried out, even if changes to the law might affect one of their clients. Being a member, officer, or director of a law reform organization does not create an automatic conflict of interest, even when the lawyer also represents clients who could be impacted by the group's work.

There is one requirement lawyers must follow in this situation. If a lawyer knows that a decision the group is making could clearly help one of their clients, the lawyer has to tell the other people involved in that decision. The lawyer does not have to say who the client is, just that they have a client who stands to benefit.

This rule exists so lawyers can still take part in public service and legal reform work without constantly worrying that it conflicts with their regular law practice. At the same time, it keeps things honest by making sure other members of the organization know when a lawyer's personal client interests might be in play.