As we often do in our January issue, we share
with you rule changes that affect law practice that go into
effect on January 1. We hope these guideposts help you
stay up to date and profitable in your practice.
If there is a theme to the rule changes this year, it
would be that modern law practice demands complementary rules. In multiple ways, these changes take a
long, hard look at contemporary practice and seek out
solutions that advance practice goals while ensuring
client protections remain. The rules affect many aspects,
including admission on motion, fee-sharing, and attorney conflicts.
As she has in the past, our first author, Patricia Sallen,
lends a speedy but detailed look at all the changes. Her
article offers an easily navigated roadmap to rules that
will guide your law office.
Among the rule changes, one in particular addresses
a longtime area of confusion: “screening” of newly hired
lawyers who previously worked on a matter for a firm client. As Andrew Halaby explains, the previous rule aimed
for clarity and client protection, but because the rule was
vague, neither the client nor the lawyer was necessarily
helped. And in an age when attorneys can more easily
move around the country and across jurisdictions, the
prior rule was a serious impediment to modern practice.
Therefore, our second article addresses the rule change
affecting private lateral screening.
Questions or comments? Write to us at arizona.attorney
azbar.org.
New Rule
Changes
Reflect, Advance
Modern Law
Practice
18 ARIZONA ATTORNEY JANUARY 2016 www.azbar.org/AZAttorney
IN THIS ISSUE:
Rules Accommodate
Changing Nature of
Law Practice B Y PATRICIA A. SALLEN 20
Arizona’s Private
Lateral Screening Rule:
Dramatic Improvement
BY ANDREW F. HALABY 24
