It’s hard to say, but let’s explore whether Donald Trump has been a victim (of sorts). We are inundated now with supposed Trump loyalists, people who would previously have caught a grenade for him, turning on him. And they have done so with the klieg lights burning brightly. On television and in books. Too many books! Sure, the reason for the “turn” may have been a disloyalty by Trump that inspired the retaliation, but does it make a difference?

Is there a moral duty that compels “loyalty” to another individual even if that individual—metaphorically—spits in your face? I leave that to the likes of Plato. This piece, instead, is about an obligation or duty of loyalty from lawyers to their former clients. And for that we turn to the Rules of Professional Conduct. The preamble, at 2, reminds lawyers that the “touchstone” of the client relationship is to, among other things, “act with loyalty during the period of the representation.” But what about after the representation ends?