The State Bar Association of North Dakota Fall 2013 Gavel Magazine | Page 27

friend. If a client complains that you were not diligent under Rule 1.3 in pursuing their interests, or did not act competently under Rule 1.1 then your notes should reflect when you communicated with a client, when you received information or documents, and when you acted upon information or documents. Those same notes should also reflect why you acted as you did or why you advised as you did. Use of careful notes can make life so much easier and also protect your client’s interest; employ and refer to them often. 1 U.S. v. Ahamada-Aguilar, 295 F.3d 943, 950 (9th Cir. 2002). 2 In re Disciplinary Action Against Feland, 2012 ºND 174, ¶36-37 (ND 2012). 3 In re Disciplinary Action Against Seaworth, 603 N.W.2d 176, 181 (1999). Representing Attorneys Don’t bet your practice on self representation. No matter how trivial the grievance may seem… take it seriously. • Address red ?ags before they become a problem • Defend or resolve complaints effectively at the Inquiry Committee level • Defend or resolve complaints in formal proceedings before the Board or on review to the Supreme Court • Representation statewide in disciplinary proceedings and on the federal level in immigration disciplinary proceedings Practice Areas Immigration and Nationality Law • Personal Injury & Malpractice Commercial Debt Collection • Ethics Defense www.djchapmanlaw.com 1121 Westrac Drive, Suite 206 • Fargo, ND 58103 • 701.232.5899 Member of: American Immigration Lawyers Association • ABA Center for Professional Responsibility Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers • American Association for Justice The Gavel Fall 2013 25