02/01/2024
Strange Legal "Twist" at a Phish Concert!
Link: https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/accusation-that-naked-idiot-lawyer-injured-phish-fan-while-rushing-stage-lead-to-censure-for-writer
In a case that's as unusual as it sounds, a Colorado attorney recently faced public censure – but it's not for the reason you might expect after hearing the backstory. Check out this article from the American Bar Association:
Picture this: A lawyer allegedly strips naked at a Phish concert in Mexico, rushes the stage, and in the process injures a concertgoer who had previously undergone spinal surgery. Sounds like a scene from a wild movie, right?
Here's where it gets legally interesting: Another Colorado lawyer, Sarah Jay Schielke, steps in to represent the injured fan. In her zeal to advocate for her client, she crosses a line. How? By using derogatory terms in a demand letter and threatening to release damaging information about the alleged streaker if certain demands weren’t met.
While fiercely defending a client is part of our job, Schielke's approach broke some key rules. She threatened criminal action to gain an advantage in a civil matter. This is a big no-no, not just in Colorado but here in Florida as well!
🌴 Florida's Ethical Rules Echo Colorado's 🌴
In Florida, like in Colorado, it's unethical for attorneys to use criminal charges as leverage in civil disputes. Why? It's seen as using the legal system for intimidation, rather than for justice.
The Colorado Supreme Court wasn’t amused and publicly censured Schielke, despite her clean record and cooperation. It’s a stark reminder for all of us in the legal field to maintain professionalism, even in the most bizarre cases.
So, next time you’re at a Phish concert (or any event, really), remember: lawyers are everywhere, and we’re bound by a code of conduct – both on and off the stage! 🎤⚖️
