Barratry

Baratry, pronounced as 'baratry', is an unethical or illegal act by attorneys who provoke conflicts or invite legal actions for personal gain. It involves misleading clients about their legal rights to file frivolous lawsuits. Unlike simply filing baseless lawsuits, baratry involves inciting the conflict itself. Companies often settle such claims to avoid litigation costs, which is what baratry schemes exploit. These practices are generally prohibited by state bar associations and can be illegal under state law.

What is the primary motivation for an attorney engaging in baratry?

• To reduce the number of lawsuits

• To uphold ethical legal standards

• To provoke conflicts for personal gain

• To help clients win legitimate cases

How does baratry differ from simply filing a frivolous lawsuit?

• It involves inciting the conflict itself

• It is always legal

• It is encouraged by state bar associations

• It requires a valid underlying claim

Why might companies choose to settle claims rather than defend them?

• To gain public approval

• To avoid the expense of litigation

• To encourage more lawsuits

• To prove their innocence

What role does misleading clients play in the practice of baratry?

• It helps clients understand their rights

• It ensures clients receive fair settlements

• It encourages clients to file lawsuits

• It prevents clients from taking legal action

What is the general stance of state bar associations on baratry?

• They actively promote it

• They encourage it

• They prohibit it

• They are indifferent to it