How do you represent a client you can’t contact?

With input from the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Elder Law sections, the Bar’s Professional Ethics Committee is moving toward issuing an advisory opinion for lawyers who are appointed to represent subjects of emergency temporary guardianship hearings but don’t have a chance to meet with the client before the hearing.

The committee voted at its January 14 meeting to pursue a formal ethics opinion after getting reports from the two sections.

The issue stemmed from an attorney inquiry over a possible conflict between F.S. §774.3031 and Bar rules. Bar ethics staff said they could not answer the question because of a lack of precedent and the inquirer asked the committee to look at the issue.