I have a very efficient office staff. May I have them meet with clients initially, have clients sign fee agreements, provide initial advice to the clients?  

The answer is no. There are two parts to the answer. Rule 1.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct requires the lawyer set forth the scope of representation and this must be explained to the client. Rule 1.4 of the Rules of Professional Conduct requires lawyers to explain all aspects of a case to a client. Rule 1.5(b), which is the fee rule, requires a lawyer to communicate with a client about the fee, and it should be done in writing. Most importantly is Rule 5.5, which precludes a lawyer from engaging in conduct where the lawyer would assist a nonlawyer in the unauthorized practice of law. Comment 2 of Rule 5.5 discusses the practice of law. Comment 2 states, “The definition of the practice of law is established by law and varies from one jurisdiction to another. Whatever the definition, limiting the practice of law to members of the Bar protects the public from rendition of legal services by unqualified persons. This rule does not prohibit a lawyer from employing the services of nonprofessionals and delegating functions to them, so long as the lawyer supervises the delegated work and retains responsibility for their work.” See Comment 2 to Rule 5.5. of the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct.

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