What is the status of lawyer-client sexual conduct that began after a relationship was formed?

The status of lawyer-client sexual conduct that begins after a relationship has been established primarily raises ethical concerns, which can lead to disciplinary action against the attorney involved. This is because lawyers have a duty to maintain a professional relationship with their clients, which includes avoiding conflicts of interest that can arise from personal relationships.

In many jurisdictions, sexual relationships between a lawyer and a client can compromise the lawyer's ability to represent the client effectively, as such relationships may impair the lawyer's judgment or create an appearance of impropriety. Even if the relationship is consensual, it can still raise significant ethical issues because the power imbalance inherent in the lawyer-client dynamic could lead to questions about the nature of consent and the impact on the client’s decision-making.

Regulatory bodies and legal ethics rules often specify that a lawyer should avoid sexual relationships with current clients or any conduct that could exploit the client for personal benefit. Therefore, engaging in sexual conduct after a professional relationship has formed is frequently viewed as grounds for disciplinary action, reinforcing the need for lawyers to adhere to strict ethical standards and maintain appropriate boundaries in their professional interactions.