Rule 4.3 - Dealing With a Self-Represented Person(a) In dealing on behalf of a client with a person who is not represented by counsel, a lawyer shall not state or imply that the lawyer is disinterested. When the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the self-represented person misunderstands the lawyer's role in the matter, the lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to correct the misunderstanding.(b) Clients receiving representation under a notice of limited appearance comporting with MCR 2.117(B)(2)(c) or other written communication advising of the limited scope representation are not self-represented persons for matters within the scope of the limited appearance, until a notice of termination of limited appearance representation comporting with MCR 2.117(B)(2)(c) is filed or other written communication terminating the limited scope representation is in effect. See Rule 4.2.Mich. R. Prof'l. Cond. 4.3
Amended effective 5/1/2024.Comment:
An unrepresented person, particularly one not experienced in dealing with legal matters, might assume that a lawyer is disinterested in loyalties or is a disinterested authority on the law even when the lawyer represents a client.
During the course of a lawyer's representation of a client, the lawyer should not give advice to an unrepresented person other than the advice to obtain counsel.