united-states contract-law lawyer
Can a lawyer sign a contract with a client that the client will not settle?
<p>Suppose a charity is providing free legal services as part of serving their charity's mission.  Can the charity make these services contingent on a contractual promise that the plaintiff will not settle without the charity's permission? A cash settlement might be missing things the charity cares about (public record of the defendant's wrongdoing, promise of changed behavior, etc.) This result is frustrating for the charity; the charity's reason for providing free legal services was not to make money on contingency.</p>
<p>Clarification: The intent of such a contract would be to block a plaintiff from accepting a settlement offer without the charity's permission.  It would not prevent the plaintiff from withdrawing entirely.</p>
<p>Note: Responses corresponding to other jurisdictions are welcome.</p>

<h2>No</h2>
<p>The lawyer works for the client irrespective of who pays their bill or salary. Legally and ethically they must act in the client’s and only the client’s best interest. If it is in the best interest of the client  to settle then that is what the lawyer must advise the client to do.</p>
