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When Laws Conflict: What Ethics Rule Applies to a California Lawyer Advising On Cannabis?

6/30/20

By: Greg Fayard

It goes without saying that a lawyer—from California or elsewhere—shall not counsel a client to do something illegal.

But what about a state law that conflicts with a federal law? For example, federal laws that criminalize the use of marijuana and state laws that don’t criminalize marijuana–how should the lawyer advise a client when laws conflict regarding a subject matter?

Under California’s Rules of Professional Conduct applicable to lawyers, a lawyer can assist a client in complying with California law, but must inform the client when California law conflicts with federal (or Tribal law). The lawyer then needs to discuss the consequences of complying with a California law that runs afoul with another law.

For those lawyers that work in the area of Cannabis law, Rule 1.2.1 is the Rule to follow in California.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Greg Fayard at gfayard@fmglaw.com, or any other member of our Lawyers Professional Liability Practice Group, a list of which can be found at www.fmglaw.com.