ethical wall
ethical wall. A screening mechanism that protects a client from a conflict of interest by preventing one or more lawyers within an organization from participating in any matter involving that client. • This mechanism is designed to allow a lawyer to move to a new job without the fear of vicariously disqualifying the new employer from representing certain clients. Creating an ethical wall generally entails (1) prohibiting certain lawyers and paralegals from having any connection with the matter; (2) banning discussions with or the transfer of documents to those individuals; (3) restricting access to files; and (4) educating all members of the firm, corporation, or entity about the separation of the lawyers and paralegals (both organizationally and physically) from the pending matter. — Also termed Chinese wall; screening mechanism. [Cases: Attorney and Client 21.15. C.J.S. Attorney and Client § 164.]
