Opinion ID: 1844255
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Ethical Implications.

Text: The result we reach does not preclude disciplinary proceedings concerning Zimmermann's actions in this case. See Committee on Professional Ethics & Conduct v. Lapointe, 415 N.W.2d 617, 619 (Iowa 1987). Zimmermann knew the order wasin his own wordspotentially ambiguous. In these circumstances the safe and perhaps ethical approach would have been to seek a clarification of the juvenile court's order. Cf. Committee on Professional Ethics & Conduct v. McCullough, 465 N.W.2d 878, 885-86 (Iowa 1991). In addition, Zimmermann concedes he did not confer with the child's attorney nor with the legal guardian's attorney before Brewer's evaluation. The child had previously stated she did not want to be evaluated by Brewer. And the guardian testified she had forgotten about the April 17 order when she talked to Zimmermann. The child and the guardian were thus stripped of any benefit of counsel on this important issue. See DR 7-104(A)(1) (lawyer shall not communicate on subject of representation with a party represented by counsel without counsel's consent); EC 7-18 (same). We leave these ethical questions to those responsible for prosecuting ethical violations.