OPINION 265
October 1963

SOLICITATION—A member who solicits business for a friend in the hope of obtaining professional employment violates Canon 24.

Canon 24.

Question

May a practicing attorney of the Texas Bar solicit real estate business for a friend who is operating as a realtor:

1. Where the attorney has no interest other than friendship;
2. Where the attorney hopes to benefit by preparing real estate papers?

Opinion

It is the opinion of the committee that a attorney does not violate the Canons of Ethics by soliciting real estate business for a friend when the attorney has no interest other than friendship.

However, when the attorney hopes to benefit by preparing real estate papers, he is guilty of solicitation in violation of Canon 24, proscribing indirect solicitation. One who solicits business for a friend in the hope of obtaining professional employment for himself violates Canon 24. (9-0.)