In-House Counsel Given Wider Latitude To Represent Officers, Employees And Directors Doing Company Business

On July 15, 2008, the state Supreme Court amended Rule 1:27-2 to permit in-house counsel to represent their companies’ employees, directors, officers, partners and shareholders in matters affecting their companies.  The change does not, however, permit in-house attorneys to represent individuals in personal matters, nor does it relieve them of the obligation to avoid conflicts between individuals and the corporation.  Still under consideration is a proposal to abandon New Jersey’s limited license rules, which require corporate counsel to register, pay annual fees, and submit to disciplinary authorities.

Note: This article was published in the August 2008 issue of the New Jersey eAuthority.