I have difficulty communicating with my client who speaks only Spanish and I speak only English. Do I have any special responsibilities to that client under the Rules of Ethics?

Any time there is a question as to whether a client understands a lawyer or can fully participate or cooperate with the lawyer, the problem becomes an issue under Rule 1.14 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. That rule deals with a client with a disability. It is interesting because under that rule, minors, i.e., clients under 18, are assumed to be a client with a disability. The rule allows a lawyer to work with parents and guardians and other people more freely than they would be able to if there was no such disability.