Byte of Prevention Blog

by Jay Reeves |

What It’s Like to Represent the NBA Champs


Wonder how it would feel to land the reigning NBA champions as a new client?

Just ask legal tech company Rocket Lawyer, which recently signed an agreement to become an official legal services partner with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.

Needless to say, Rocket Lawyer – which says it will be the “team behind the team” – was thrilled.

“Under the partnership, Golden State Warriors employees will now have access to Rocket Lawyer services as a benefit of employment, including assistance with business documents, estate planning, legal document review and other legal benefits,” reports the ABA Journal. 

One aspect of the arrangement: every time a Warriors player blocks a shot, Rocket Lawyer will donate $500 to Generation Thrive, a partnership between the Warriors Community Foundation and health care company Kaiser Permanente.

From the ABA Journal: “Legal is expensive, and lawyers cost a lot of money,” says a Rocket Lawyer spokesperson. “Our mission is to get the everyday champions in the world the same kind of legal help and access to justice that rich people in big companies have.”

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N.C. Rule of Professional Conduct 1.13
Organization as Client

(a) A lawyer employed or retained by an organization represents the organization acting through its duly authorized constituents.

(b) If a lawyer for an organization knows that an officer, employee. or other person associated with the organization is engaged in action, intends to act or refuses to act in a matter related to the representation that is a violation of a legal obligation to the organization, or a violation of law which reasonably might be imputed to the organization, and is likely to result in substantial injury to the organization, then the lawyer shall proceed as is reasonably necessary in the best interest of the organization. Unless the lawyer reasonably believes that it is not necessary in the best interest of the organization to do so, the lawyer shall refer the matter to higher authority in the organization, including, if warranted by the circumstances, to the highest authority that can act on behalf of the organization as determined by applicable law.

(c) If, despite the lawyer's efforts in accordance with paragraph (b), the highest authority that can act on behalf of the organization insists upon action, or a refusal to act, that is clearly a violation of law and is likely to result in substantial injury to the organization, the lawyer may reveal such information outside the organization to the extent permitted by Rule 1.6 and may resign in accordance with Rule 1.16.

(d) Paragraph (c) shall not apply with respect to information relating to a lawyer's representation of an organization to investigate an alleged violation of law, or to defend the organization or an officer, employee, or other constituent associated with the organization against a claim arising out of an alleged violation of law.

(e) A lawyer who reasonably believes that he or she has been discharged because of the lawyer's actions taken pursuant to paragraphs (b) or (c), or who withdraws under circumstances that require or permit the lawyer to take action under these Rules, shall proceed as the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to assure that the organization's highest authority is informed of the lawyer's discharge or withdrawal.

(f) In dealing with an organization’s directors, officers, employees, members, shareholders or other constituents, a lawyer shall explain the identity of the client when the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the organization’s interests are adverse to those of the constituents with whom the lawyer is dealing.

(g) A lawyer representing an organization may also represent any of its directors, officers, employees, members, shareholders or other constituents, subject to the provisions of Rule 1.7. If the organization’s consent to the dual representation is required by Rule 1.7, the consent shall be given by an appropriate official of the organization other than the individual who is to be represented, or by the shareholders.

Sources:
Rocket Lawyer announces partnership with Golden State Warriors (abajournal.com)
Organization As Client | North Carolina State Bar (ncbar.gov)

 

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About the Author

Jay Reeves

Jay Reeves practiced law in North Carolina and South Carolina. He was Legal Editor at Lawyers Weekly and Risk Manager at Lawyers Mutual. He is the author of The Most Powerful Attorney in the World, a collection of short stories from a law life well-lived, which as the seasons pass becomes less about law and liability and more about loss, love, longing, laughter and life's lasting luminescence.

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