This column, written by Mark Hinderks, of Stinson LLP, focuses on ethics questions. The discussion here is based on the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, but the Model Rules are often adopted in different and amended versions, and interpreted in different ways in various places. Always check the rules and authorities applicable in your relevant jurisdiction—the result may be completely different.

Question: I have just received an email from an opposing lawyer with whom I’ve been negotiating a deal. It looks like the lawyer may have inadvertently inserted my name (by autofill or simple mistake) rather than the contact person at his client, who has the same first name.