Top 10 Signs of a Potentially Untrustworthy Client
Presented by Cari Sheehan
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Course Description
Length: 59min Published: 8/20/2025 
Identifying unworthy clients is critical to maintaining ethical standards and avoiding professional liability. Key red flags include a pattern of dismissing prior counsel without cause, unrealistic demands that conflict with legal realities, and pressure to engage in unethical practices like document falsification. Financial inconsistencies, such as unexplained wealth or payment avoidance, and evasiveness about case details or legal history further signal potential risks. These behaviors often create conflicts with attorneys’ duties under professional conduct rules, requiring careful vetting and documentation to uphold ethical obligations.
Learning Objectives
* Rule 1.16(a): Withdraw from representation if a client insists on unlawful or fraudulent conduct
* Rule 1.4: Maintain transparent communication to manage expectations and document warnings about case risks
* Rule 1.2(d): Avoid aiding in criminal/fraudulent acts while advising on legal consequences
* Due diligence: Screen for conflicts and assess client credibility early to prevent ethical violations
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Presented By:
Cari Sheehan
Indianapolis, IN
(812) 239-4187
csheehan@taftlaw.com
