I am a lawyer who has had a sexual relationship with a client, which has now ended. Is there anything I should be concerned about?
Samuel C. Stretton.
The answer is yes. You should be concerned. For years, there was no specific prohibition about having a sexual relationship with a client, although many legal commentators saw it as a blatant conflict of interest, which would violate Rule 1.7 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. About 10 or 15 years ago, the specialized conflict of interest Rule 1.8 was amended. Rule 1.8(j) was added, which specifically precludes a sexual relationship with a client.
