Iowa R. Prof'l Conduct 32:6.4

A lawyer may serve as a director, officer, or member of an organization involved in reform

of the law or its administration notwithstanding that the reform may affect the interests of a

client of the lawyer. When the lawyer knows that the interests of a client may be materially

benefitted by a decision in which the lawyer participates, the lawyer shall disclose that fact but

need not identify the client.

Comment

[1] Lawyers involved in organizations seeking law reform generally do not have a client-lawyer

relationship with the organization. Otherwise, it might follow that a lawyer could not be involved in

a bar association law reform program that might indirectly affect a client. See also rule 32:1.2(b).

For example, a lawyer specializing in antitrust litigation might be regarded as disqualified from

participating in drafting revisions of rules governing that subject. In determining the nature and

scope of participation in such activities, a lawyer should be mindful of obligations to clients under

other rules, particularly rule 32:1.7. A lawyer is professionally obligated to protect the integrity of

the program by making an appropriate disclosure within the organization when the lawyer knows a

private client might be materially benefitted.