Unless an administrative rule or statute requires such contact, a lawyer should not send copies of documents to a represented opposing party without opposing counsel’s consent, even if copies are sent contemporaneously to opposing counsel.

Other jurisdictions have confirmed that a lawyer cannot send a copy of a document directly to an opposing party that is known to be represented by counsel, even if a copy of the letter is sent to the opposing counsel contemporaneously.  See D.C. Op. 120 (1983); P.A. Op. 94-167.

Certain administrative proceedings may require unique procedures that might erroneously lead an attorney to conclude that it is ethically permissible to copy an opposing party on pleadings or correspondence.  However, unless there is a specific administrative rule or statute requiring such contact, counsel should not send copies of any documents directly to an opposing party without opposing counsel's consent.  See, e.g., Lee v. Fenwick, 907 S.W.2d 88 (Tx. App. 1994)(official notice required by law to be sent directly to a defendant is a permissible contact).

Occasionally an attorney may be concerned that an opposing counsel is not communicating adequately with their client or is no longer representing the party.  Even if the opposing party contacts a lawyer to state that they have discharged their attorney, counsel should make reasonable efforts to confirm this fact with opposing counsel, before engaging in any communications with an opposing party.  ABA Op. 95-396; In re News Am. Publi'g Corp., Inc., 974 S.W.2d 97 (Tx. App. 1998).  Moreover, in most litigation contexts, an attorney is still counsel of record for a party until the lawyer's motion to withdraw is granted by a court or administrative law judge.

As a last resort, if an attorney is concerned that opposing counsel is not communicating information to the opposing party and the opposing counsel is failing to communicate with the attorney, the attorney should, after making reasonable efforts to contact opposing counsel, seek instructions from the court or ALJ prior to initiating any direct contact with an opposing party.

Ethical Rule 4.2 is intended to protect represented parties from undue influence and pressure from an opposing counsel.  Even the receipt of a copy of a demand letter, notice of a deposition, or motion for sanctions could unreasonably intimidate an opposing party to make decisions without adequate advice from their attorney.  Once a party has retained counsel, the Rule is clear that there shall be no contact with that represented party, regarding that representation, without their attorney's consent, unless the contact is required by law.