2. Agency
Please note we are only covering pages 4-9 of the
first chapter. We are focusing on agency.
A principal-agent relationship is so important
because it can help determine liability. Typically, a
principal will be held liable for the actions of his
agent.
An agent agrees to act for another, called the
principal.
3. Formation of Agency Relationship
There are several ways in which to form a principal-
agent relationship:
Agreement
Express
Can be oral or written.
Implied—words, conduct, or prior interactions prove a principal-
agent relationship
Estoppel
Public policy argument that says it would be unfair unless a
principal-agent relationship was found by the judge.
4. Authority of Agents
The principal-agent relationship covers more than just
employers and employees. However, let’s say Tom, of
Tom’s Cameras, hires Lucy. Lucy is selling a camera to
Alyssa, when Lucy drops the very heavy camera on
Alyssa’s foot.
It is in Alyssa’s best interest to be able to sue Tom,
because he owns his own business and likely to have
more money than Lucy.
It is in Tom’s interest to deny a principal-agent
relationship with Lucy, so that he can avoid having to pay
Alyssa.
The general rule is to hold Tom liable for Lucy’s actions,
in addition to holding Lucy liable for her own actions.
5. Actual Authority
Express
Written or
Oral
Implied
Here means those acts reasonably necessary to allow the
agent to perform his duties
6. Apparent Authority
Occurs when a principal causes a third party to
reasonably believe the agent has the authority to act
for the principal.
Examples: When you go to the dry cleaners, do you
assume that the person working behind the counter has
the authority to take your clothes and your money?
If it appears that an agent has authority, then the principal
will be held liable for the agent’s actions.
7. Ratified Authority
Happens when the principal accepts an agent’s
act(s) even though the agent had no authority to
perform the act(s) or exceeded the scope of their
authority.
8. Duties of Agents and Principals
Duties are going to play an important role throughout
corporate law. You’ll see them come into play
starting now, and through all the business entities
we’ll cover.
California calls these duties slightly different names
than in your book.
Fiduciary duties—anything to do with money
Good faith and fair dealing
Honesty (really is considered part of fair dealing)
Later we’ll hear about the duty of due care and the duty of
loyalty
9. Agent’s Duties
Performance—basically do the work as soon as
possible, while still doing it carefully
Notification—the book is not quite right. An agent
does not have to disclose all information relating to
the agency, only reasonable settlement offers.
Loyalty—the duty not to compete or to have divided
loyalties (conflict of interest)
Accounting—LET THE PRINCIPAL KNOW ALL THE
MONEY YOU’VE SPENT ON HIS BEHALF!!!
10. Principal’s Duties
Compensation
Reimbursement
Cooperation
Indemnification—General Rule (GR) is that
principal’s are responsible for the acts of their agents
and must pay for any lawsuits brought against the
agent.
HOWEVER:
Different types of conduct:
Negligent
“Reckless and Willful”
Intentional
“Frolic and Detour”
11. Will the employer indemnify the agent?
Depends upon conduct of agent…
Negligence Employer
must
indemnify
agent
“Reckless and Depends In CA, In DE, Case-by-case
Willful” probably yes. probably no. basis.
Intentional Employer
does not have
to indemnify
agent
“Frolic and Depends. How far did Case-by-case
Detour” the agent basis.
frolic or
detour?
12. Liability for Agent’s Torts
Examples of Frolic and Detour
On your own, make sure you understand the terms
respondeat superior and vicarious liability—these
are big issues in corporate law.
13. Termination of Agency
Stated time period for agency expires (often 1 year)
Purpose of agency has been completed (ie bought a
house, escrow is closed, etc.)
Mutual agreement (sometimes principal can revoke
on their own, ie through reasonable notice)
Death
Bankruptcy
Reasonable notice
14. Agency in Business Relationships
Many of the relationships we will discuss in the
future are based upon agency law.
A sole proprietor is vicariously liable for the acts of
her employees.
In general partnerships, any partner is an agent of
the others!
In a corporation, directors and officers are agents of
the corporation.
Hinweis der Redaktion
An example of an agent is a real estate agent.
What is the problem with an oral agreement?Estoppel is a public policy argument. Paralegal orders copy machine at law firm. She orders it from a small, one person company. Paralegal had no authority to do so. Did it look like the paralegal did to the copy company? Yes! Paralegal has office in law firm, name may be on letterhead—so unfair to deny it. Per ABA Model Guidelines for Utilization of Paralegal Services, lawyer may id paralegals by name and title on letterhead and business cards. Also, law looks to see who is in best position to bear the loss.
An agent is anyone who agrees to act on behalf of another. IE a power of attorney.
That just sounds wrong.
Give example of a paralegal ordering an expensive copy machine. The paralegal has not been given authority to do so. The law firm partner comes by and says good job. Ratification.
Good faith college try. Fair dealing—give example of paying a person 1/10 the going rate versus 1/3.
K-Fed and Brittany—conflict of interest. Also, co-defendants in a criminal trial. The agent has to act solely for the benefit of the principal and ma not engage in any transaction that would be detrimental to the principal or that would conflict with the principal’s interest. Discuss accounting—why. Law firms usually don’t give credit cards and paralegal will have to charge on own account. Accounting also means no comingling of assets—will see this later with corporations too. What is a reasonable settlement offer? If have a million dollar case, is $10,000 settlement offer reasonable? What about $500,000?
Compensation—can agree to less than normally paid in the open market place.Give an example of each. Reckless and willful misconduct is driving over 100 mph.Explain that “” are used to designate legal phrases—words that go together in the law.Frolic and Detour—getting food or cheetah’s on way to deposition.
Respondeat superior is when liability is imposed on the employer—principal even though she didn’t actually commit the wrong. Imposes the doctrine of vicarious liability on the employer—principal—liability is imposed without regard to actual fault.
Talk about HIPAA authorizations.
Discuss atty sps not wanting to hire employees.Do questions in book.