Opinion ID: 901663
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Advice and Opinions

Text: [¶ 15.] The Board argues that legal services not involving cases or administrative proceedings qualified under the third exception involving advice and opinions. This requires us to examine the distinction between Bogue's advice and opinions to the County and representation of the County with third persons. [¶ 16.] The American Heritage College Dictionary, 1158, (3rd ed. 1997), defines represent as: To serve as the official and authorized delegate or agent for [another]. The Rules of Professional Conduct, although not directly applicable, recognize a distinction between such representation of a client and advice given to a client. Advice is described as providing representation to the client, while representation of the client's interests generally involves dealing with others: As a representative of clients, a lawyer performs various functions. As advisor, a lawyer provides a client with an informed understanding of the client's legal rights and obligations and explains their practical implications. As advocate, a lawyer zealously asserts the client's position under the rules of the adversary system. As negotiator, a lawyer seeks a result advantageous to the client but consistent with requirements of honest dealings with others. As an evaluator, a lawyer acts by examining a client's legal affairs and reporting about them to the client or to others.