Can a lawyer refuse to defend your case because an errant party is a friend of the lawyer?

[gabrielo19]

I believe a business entity entered a fraudulent contract in my case where he claimed to have proper license. After a check with the gov't authorities -- it was discovered that he did not to have a license. My lawyer is a friend of this guy and now he refuses to pursue this part of fraud in my case. He wants to drop my case if I do not agree. Besides being a prick - is he in any ethics violation as a lawyer?

[dasco]

I believe a business entity entered a fraudulent contract in my case where he claimed to have proper license. After a check with the gov't authorities -- it was discovered that he did not to have a license. My lawyer is a friend of this guy and now he refuses to pursue this part of fraud in my case. He wants to drop my case if I do not agree. Besides being a prick - is he in any ethics violation as a lawyer?

No. In fact if he is a friend of the other party he is actually maintaining his ethical guidelines by not working for you. He is bound to do that by the Bar Association.

[starling]

Slavery was abolished over 100 yrs. ago. The attorney can pick and choose who he wants to work for.

If the attorney has a conflict of interest, you should fire him and get another attorney.

[lundie]

I think you are badly confused. What he told you was that he has a conflict of interest. You need to get another lawyer.

[coinleain]

The answer to your question is a combination of what randy and Stogieman both said.

[barraq]

president Lincoln freed the slaves. Now, no one is required to work for you if they do not want to.

[aldric13]

If you're going through this many attorneys, tells me you have a bogus case. Better get your aluminum hat back on.

[salvadore94]

Yes