Colorado Attorney agreed to aid in negotiating a judgement obtained against his in-laws. The in-laws live in Minnesota where a judgement was obtained against them for $2368.13 in favor of a condominium association.
Colorado Attorney sent e-mail to Minnesota attorney that represented the condo association stating that he was representing his in-laws in this matter and to send all future correspondence to him. A number of e-mails were sent back and forth on this matter between the attorneys. Minnesota Ethics panel stated that although he was not paid in this matter, he was practicing law in Minnesota without a license.
For a full reading of the decision, please cut and paste the following into your browser:
http://mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/Appellate/Supreme%20Court/Standard%20Opinions/OPA152078-083116.pdf
As always, attorneys should make sure that they follow the same procedures regarding client intake regardless of the relationship that the attorney has with the potential client. Getting involved with any matter that either the attorney is not licensed in a state or not familiar with the type of law needed to address the matter may have consequences far beyond the “simple” matter.