Legal practitioners often act as both lawyers and advisers. Typically an attorney-client relationship involves a balance between purely legal considerations, on one hand, and other matters of business, ethical, political or even moral impact. Thus, lawyers often consider both the strict requirements of the law, as well as cultural or political mores that can impact the merits of the representation, in guiding their clients.

Lawyers generally balance purely legal or technical advice to a client with advice that considers the lawyer’s experience, business acumen and other factors. Georgia Rule of Professional Conduct Rule 2.1 speaks to this concept and provides some guidance to lawyers about how to wear two hats at once.

Adding Value by Providing Advice in Context