California Rule of Professional Conduct 4-400 – Gifts from Clients
Rule 4-400 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct addresses the ethical boundaries around accepting gifts from clients. The rule prohibits a lawyer from soliciting a substantial gift from a client or preparing legal documents that give the lawyer (or a close relative) such a gift, unless the client is related to the attorney.
The purpose of this rule is to prevent conflicts of interest and protect clients from undue influence. It reinforces the attorney’s duty to maintain professional boundaries and avoid arrangements that could compromise the trust inherent in the attorney-client relationship.