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There are a lot of scams out there to induce the lawyer to deposit a payment and quickly send funds out by wire transfer from a trust account. Will a lawyer who falls for one face disciplinary action?

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) can save time and drudgery, when used correctly in your practice. Sarah Peterson explains the ethical considerations.

Sarah Peterson says a new ABA Formal Opinion offers a framework for categorizing information gathered to determine whether to accept a representation and strategies for preventing imputed prospective client conflicts.

What are a lawyer's ethical duties when closing a law practice? State Bar of Wisconsin ethics counsel Timothy Pierce and Sarah Peterson offer seven areas of concern for lawyers when closing their practices.

Recent changes in the trust account rules allow lawyers to expand client payment options and pass along the fees to clients. Tim Pierce explains what you need to know before charging clients fees for electronic payments.

State Bar ethics counsel Tim Pierce discusses the consequences when lawyers sign attendance sheets at continuing legal education programs, and then leave.

Tim Pierce affirms that GALs are bound by the same disciplinary conflicts rules as are other lawyers.

A former client made false claims about my representation in a critical review online. I'm worried about what it may do to my reputation. How can I respond?

When you practice in two separate jurisdictions that have different trust account rules, do you need to use separate trust accounts to comply with the different rules?

Does a lawyer serving as a testifying expert witness have a client? And if not, what kinds of conflicts arise from serving as an expert?

When determining whether adverse authority must be disclosed to the tribunal, is it really adverse if I can distinguish the case? Turns out, you should bring to the court's attention any authority in the controlling jurisdiction that could reasonably be interpreted as adverse, whether you can distinguish it or not.

A recently issued ABA Formal Ethics Opinion provides further guidance for Wisconsin on whether replying to an email from opposing counsel that includes opposing counsel's client could violate ethics rules.

Joint representation cases can cause a dilemma when one of the clients withdraws from representation. When can you keep representing the other clients and when must you withdraw completely?

This column, which answers a question about communicating with an opposing party who receives limited scope representation, also highlights an important point: always start your research with Wisconsin's rules of professional conduct for attorneys.

In a case with a client who does not dispute the fee yet and there's no written fee agreement, can the client refuse to pay me for being "unethical"?

When a lawyer leaves a firm, is it permissible for the firm to impose a fee on that lawyer for each client that follows the lawyer to the new firm?

When the opportunity opens up to run for district attorney, what conflicts arise for an established criminal defense attorney interested in running?

Lawyers involved in creating business entities work with those involved with the entity. But, when potential conflicts arise, who actually is the client – the entity, or the entity's owners?

Can you agree in advance to pay any award of attorney's fees assessed against your client?

You accepted a case where an advanced fee is paid by a third party – then realize a conflict requires you to withdraw. Who should receive the refund?

Lawyers must abide by their client's wishes regarding settlement. But what if that settlement requires being hired by the opposing party?

Do lawyers who represents themselves in a legal matter need to worry about the no contact rule?

Is it unauthorized practice of law if lawyers who live in one jurisdiction practice (virtually) in another via remote work?

In discussing cases with someone outside of the office, do government lawyers have different confidentiality obligations than other lawyers?

Can we host a link for an outside business on our website and permit the outside business to link to our firm?

When you receive an email from opposing counsel that includes several recipients, do you need to know who those recipients are before choosing "reply all?

Is it a violation of ethical rules for a prosecutor to only listen to a represented defendant who wants to discuss the charges against him?

Your client has a warrant, and doesn’t want to surrender. You are in communication with the client and know their location - what are your responsibilities?

New conflicts rules regarding public defenders take effect Jan. 1, 2022. Just what are they, and do they apply to all government lawyers?

May a law firm accept a new matter in which the opposing party is insured by a client the firm represents on other unrelated matters?

Pondering accepting bitcoin or other cryptocurrency for payment of client fees? Disciplinary rules do not prohibit a lawyer from accepting cryptocurrency as payment for legal fees, but the rules do impose certain requirements.

After a client's divorce, can I represent that client in an estate planning matter if I previously represented both former spouses together on an estate plan?

After a client's divorce, can I represent that client in an estate planning matter if I previously represented both former spouses together on an estate plan?

It happens: You spot an error made by the court in your client's case. Whether or not that error helps your client, must you inform the court of the error?

Does signing a noncompete agreement violate ethics rules? If I am forced to sign one to keep my job, what should I do?

What's in a firm name? Can a solo attorney use "firm" in their business name? What about "and associates"? Can two lawyers sharing office space use the same firm name?

When a long-time partner retires, when is it OK to continue to use their name in the firm's name?

You can't find a former client after receiving a settlement in the case. What do you do with that money?

Can you threaten criminal prosecution to gain an advantage in a civil matter? The newly released Wisconsin Formal Ethics Opinion EF-21-01 provides insights into this ethical dilemma.

What conflicts may arise when lawyers in the same firm represent a municipality as a client and practice in local criminal defense?

When you agree to serve on a board of directors of an organization outside your firm, and the organization has never been a client, can conflicts arise?

When using an "Alternative to E-Banking Trust Account," can a lawyer hold a client responsible for electronic payment charges?

In fees involving family law cases, a lawyer may request that the court grant a judgment for fees. How does this judgment intersect with the requirement to participate in fee arbitration on a client's request?

Your online reviews may help bring in new clients. Is it OK to ask for, or even encourage, online reviews? Turns out – it depends on how you ask.

When a colleague at their firm is also a family court commissioner, can a lawyer practice in family law in that same county? Turns out, a statute in the family code may prevent any lawyer in the commissioner's firm from appearing in a family law matter in that county – but not another county.

Lawyers who accept credit card payments into their operating accounts are not directly prohibited by the disciplinary rules from holding a client responsible for those costs.

Conflicts are imputed among all lawyers at a single firm. But what happens to the conflicts if lawyers from different firms join together as co-counsel in a case?

Now that lawyers have greater flexibility with respect to electronic payment of fees, is it possible to pass along to clients such fees as charged when they pay with a credit card?

When a lawyer leaves a firm, what conflicts does the lawyer leave behind? Turns out, it may depend on the firm's file retention policy.

Is the duty owed to former clients in connection with information disclosed to third parties? What actually constitutes "generally known" information about former clients?

Is it OK, while building your firm's presence on social media, to offer rewards to those who "like" the page and provide a good recommendation?

Trust accounts are subject to regulation, and the Supreme Court Rule governing these accounts is long and complicated. Turns out, the rule allows a lawyer to send funds from a trust account via a wire transfer.

When a lawyer answers a call from the State Public Defender's Office to represent a client, what should happen when the lawyer learns that the client is not actually indigent?

What are a lawyer's duties when their client dies while a case is pending? When does a lawyer's authority to act on behalf of a client end?

File cleanup: What do you need to know in storing and destroying old files from closed client cases? How long do you have to wait before destroying closed client files? And do you need permission of the former client before destroying them?

Job searches can give rise to conflicts for lawyers. Just when do lawyers have to notify clients that they are seeking a new position?

The unique role of guardians ad litem (GAL) pose challenges in applying the Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys, such as determining whether GAL work may conflict with your other cases. Tim Pierce, State Bar of Wisconsin ethics counsel, provides insight into one particular case that may help.

Is it a conflict of interest to represent someone seeking a guardian appointment for your client?

When a client in a contingency-fee case may have to foreclose on their property before the case resolves, may a lawyer advance them a loan for living expenses to help them get by?

Lawyers have a duty of communication to their clients. But what if a judge's order in a case prevents the lawyer from fulfilling that duty?

Is it possible to use an "all-in-one" trust account? A new, tailored insurance policy available through the State Bar of Wisconsin now allows lawyers to take full advantage of the current trust account rule.

When correcting a court's mistake may be damaging to my client, do I have an obligation to provide the correct information?

Can a statute be used to impose discipline on a lawyer? Several examples of lawyer discipline are a reminder that Wisconsin lawyers must be aware of standards of conduct set forth in the statutes, in addition to those set by the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Can case law serve as the basis for lawyer discipline? Wisconsin lawyers should be aware that some standards of conduct are set forth in Wisconsin Supreme Court case law, rather than explicitly in disciplinary rules.

Do the Rules of Professional Conduct apply when a lawyer is not acting in the capacity of a lawyer, such as when acting as a guardian, mediator, or trustee?

A very grateful client has given you an expensive gift as thanks after the successful conclusion of a hard-fought case. Is it OK to accept it?

Is it permissible to take fees owed in one case from funds deposited in trust in connection with a different case when both cases involve the same client? It may depend on consent.

Notarizing documents involves a lot of time and effort. Is it wrong to send pre-notarized documents to a client for a signature?

With all the changes in the past few years in limited-scope representation, lawyers who provide ghostwriting in limited-scope representation need to be aware of changes affecting their responsibilities under the rules of professional conduct.

You're approached about a case, but realize you can't take it because of a potential conflict. Is it OK for you to recommend another lawyer or law firm if the client asks for recommendations?

Is it OK to bill your client for the time spent in creating the bill and for doing other administrative tasks? Or it is unreasonable to bill clients for time spent on administrative tasks that are only ancillary to the provision of legal services to the client?

When your client has access to information helpful to the client on an opposing party's social media page, what, if anything, can you do with it?

Can the conflict bell be unrung after a new associate is hired? A Florida firm's case highlights the importance of timely and adequate conflicts screening measures when hiring new associates.

A defense lawyer successfully tests the ability of a witness to identify a defendant by using a substitute that looks like the defendant. But what were the consequences for the lawyer?

A lawyer's obligation of client confidentiality has no end, according to a recent ethics opinion. Wisconsin's ethics rules – and those of other states – agree that a lawyer may not voluntarily give closed files of historical significance to a historical significance to a historical society, university, or any third party.

Apart from providing a lesson to read without delay any letter from the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) and to keep up with your CLE requirements, this ethical dilemma addresses what you should do while waiting to be reinstated while on administrative suspension. In other words, does SCR 22.26 apply to administrative suspensions?

Should a lawyer gain a client’s permission to notify opposing counsel that a critical provision was left out of the draft settlement agreement?

What happens when your clients divorce? Must a lawyer surrender a client file of a former joint representation when one party does not consent to providing the file to the other party? Who owns a client’s file?

When you need to talk to a witness for a case, and that witness is in jail on an unrelated matter, should you contact that witness’ lawyer before talking with the witness? Are you free to contact a person represented in an unrelated matter?

When lawyers leave a firm, do they take their conflicts with them? Or do the conflicts remain at the firm after the lawyer is gone? The answer may come down to this: where is the file, and did that lawyer have help with the case?

If you are seeking a job with another law firm, when should you tell your employer and clients?

In the era of cloud-based computing, security must be a paramount concern for lawyers when it comes to client information. Who is responsible when an office staff person inadvertently shares a link to confidential files to the opposing party in discovery?

Is the former counsel ethically required to give former clients their file in both electronic and paper formats?

If a client refuses to accept even the most favorable settlement offers despite tremendous effort by the lawyer, can the lawyer, who was working on a contingency fee, withdraw and charge an hourly rate for the time spent on the cases?

Does a firm who hires a recently graduated lawyer need to implement screening procedures if they become aware of a conflict while the new lawyer was a law student?

“Web bugs” – email tracking devices – are frequently used by marketers. Can lawyers use them in emails to opposing counsel?

How far can you represent family members in legal matters when they reside in a state where you aren't licensed to practice? Research whether your activities would constitute the unauthorized practice of law in that state.

The best candidate for your paralegal position works for a sole practitioner who represents the opposing party in a litigated matter. Can you still interview and hire this paralegal?

Does a lawyer’s disclosure of information protected by SCR 20:1.6 (Confidentiality) pursuant to one of the permissive disclosure exceptions found in SCR 20:1.6(c) waive lawyer-client privilege with respect to that information?

It happens quite often: A lawyer leaves a firm to join another firm. If a former client calls asking for the lawyer who has left for another firm, what’s the appropriate response?

When do referral fees generate conflicts of interest? In the case of a longtime client’s daughter, referred to another lawyer for a case in a different practice area, when must you comply with informed consent and when might the referral fee generate a conflict of interest?

You have been appointed to act as stand-by counsel to a criminal defendant who is representing himself at a trial. There are no Rules of Professional Conduct that talk about this type of situation. So just what are your ethical duties?

March 16, 2016 – What are the obligations of a lawyer upon receiving a subpoena for client documents?

Six months after a civil litigation trial ends – but not in the client’s favor – the lawyer is still not paid. Is it ethical for the lawyer to report the client’s unpaid debt to a credit bureau?

Jan. 20, 2016 – Is it ethical to ask a client to sign a comprehensive release of claims as a means of “putting it all behind you” after the client has refused to pay fees owed and has accused the lawyer of malpractice?

Nov. 18, 2015 – When clients ask for representation, not every potential conflict can be foreseen. Clients of other lawyers in your firm may pose a potential conflict, even if matters are unrelated. That’s especially true when subpoenas are involved, as this ethical dilemma explains.

Oct. 21, 2015 – Does confidentiality to a client intending to file bankruptcy trump a duty of disclosure to opposing counsel, the plaintiff, and trial court?

Sept. 16, 2015 – Ghostwriting is permissible in Wisconsin. Learn what your responsibilities are when ghostwriting.

June 17, 2015 – For lawyers charging a flat fee, the Rules of Professional Conduct require they notify clients of the scope of the fee. Flat fees are still subject to unearned fee provisions.

May 20, 2015 – Is it an office or a client meeting location? Depending on the circumstances, it may be misleading, and therefore improper under SCR 20:7.1 for a lawyer to list a rented, shared office space as his or her “law office” on letterhead or other public communications.

April 15, 2015 – When marketing legal services, lawyers must be able to factually substantiate their claims. Statements that mislead are violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

March 18, 2015 – Has opposing counsel ever threatened to file a disciplinary complaint against you to gain an advantage in a civil case? While such threats are not expressly prohibited, a lawyer considering making such a threat should carefully consider the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Feb. 18, 2015 – It can happen to any lawyer: a client who fails to respond to any attempt at contact or communication. Is the lawyer required, then, to withdraw from the case according to the Rules of Professional Conduct?

Jan. 21, 2015 – This months’ Ethical Dilemmas explores whether a non-disparagement clause in a proposed agreement in a sexual harassment case violate a lawyer’s right to practice as guaranteed by the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Dec. 17, 2014 – This month’s Ethical Dilemmas question offers guidance the types of solicitation activities prohibited as “real-time electronic contact.” While there is not year a clear answer, Wisconsin lawyers relying on guidance from other jurisdictions may assume that email and text messages, when otherwise in compliance with the Rules, are not prohibited methods of solicitation.

Nov. 19, 2014 – This month’s Ethical Dilemmas question offers guidance on whether a lawyer can include in an engagement letter a provision that delegates authority to settle to the lawyer or requires the lawyer’s consent before settling a matter.

Sept. 17, 2014 – This month’s Ethical Dilemmas question focuses on a contract omission that is favorable to your client. What do you do?

Aug. 22, 2014 – Attorney Anthony Gray, featured speaker at the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Health, Labor and Employment (HLE) Law Institute yesteday, had a few ideas about tackling ethical dilemmas, which attorneys face on a daily basis.

Aug. 20, 2014 – This month’s Ethical Dilemmas question focuses on what lawyers can do when negative comments, true or untrue, are posted to electronic review sites, like Avvo.

July 16, 2014 – Lawyers have an ethical duty to inform clients of their departure from a firm. How and when to notify clients depends on the type of departure.

April 16, 2014 – This month’s Ethical Dilemmas question focuses on advertising and the reference to being a “specialist” within the guidelines of the Wisconsin Rules of Professional Conduct.

March 19, 2014 – May a lawyer draft a will or trust in which the lawyer names himself or herself as the personal representative or trustee or as the lawyer for the personal representative?

Feb. 19, 2014 – This month’s Ethical Dilemmas answers the question: Is there any obligation for a lawyer to self-report to the Office of Lawyer Regulation?

Jan. 15, 2014 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer’s practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar’s Ethics Counsel Timothy Pierce and assistant ethics counsel Aviva Kaiser, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Nov. 20, 2013 – Is it ethical for me to tell Wisconsin clients that I am “of counsel” to an out-of-state law firm when I have no relationship with the law firm other than the few Wisconsin matters? Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer’s practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack.

Oct. 16, 2013 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer’s practice. This series of questions and answers appears regularly in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by the State Bar’s ethics counsel Timothy Pierce and assistant ethics counsel Aviva Kaiser, provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Sept. 18, 2013 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer’s practice. This series of questions and answers appears regularly in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by the State Bar’s ethics counsel Timothy Pierce and assistant ethics counsel Aviva Kaiser, provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

April 17, 2013 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's Ethics Counsel Timothy Pierce, provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

March 20, 2013 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer’s practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's Ethics Counsel Timothy Pierce, provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Feb. 20, 2013 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's Ethics Counsel Timothy Pierce, provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Jan. 16, 2013 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Dec. 19, 2012 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer’s practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar’s ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Nov. 21, 2012 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Oct. 17, 2012 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Sept. 19, 2012 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer’s practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Aug. 15, 2012 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar’s ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are notlegal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

InsideTrack

June 20, 2012 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

May 16, 2012 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

April 18, 2012 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series presents the most frequently asked questions received by State Bar Ethics Counsel Tim Pierce.

Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Jan. 18, 2012 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Ethical dilemmas article list

Nov. 16, 2011 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Oct. 19, 2011 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Sept. 21, 2011 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Aug. 17, 2011 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

July 20, 2011 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

June 1, 2011 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer’s practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

May 18, 2011 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

April 20, 2011 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears monthly in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

March 16, 2011 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar’s ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Feb. 16, 2011 - Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears monthly in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Dec. 15, 2010 - Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. This series of questions and answers appears monthly in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, provide guidance only and are not legal authority. Each situation will depend on the facts and circumstances involved.

Nov. 17, 2010 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. Issues relating to client files, prospective clients, conflicts, trust accounts, confidentiality, tribunals, communication with opposing parties, reporting professional misconduct and advertising arise frequently. This is the second in a series of questions and answers that appears each month in InsideTrack. The answers, offered by State Bar's ethics counsel Timothy Pierce, are intended to provide brief guidance only and are not legal auth

Oct. 20, 2010 – Ethical dilemmas affect every lawyer's practice. Issues relating to client files, prospective clients, conflicts, trust accounts, confidentiality, tribunals, communication with opposing parties, reporting professional misconduct and advertising arise more frequently than others. This is the first in a series of questions and answers that will appear each month in InsideTrack.