As a Kansas trial lawyer, it is important to be zealous and aggressive while preparing in litigation. Part of that may involve interviewing the witnesses and speaking with the victim. Indeed, it's important to figure out what is going to be said. However, the attorney should never attempt to intimidate the witness or bribe the witness. That is unethical. Unfortunately, this is what supposedly happened in Rhode Island. An attorney was charged with obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice, bribery of a witness and conspiracy to commit bribery.
The original case involved a stabbing. Attorney, Gerard Donley represented the defendant. Attorney Donna Uhlmann represented the victim. Donley was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison on the above charges. He testified that he paid the victim's girlfriend $6,000.00 to compensate the victim for his personal injuries and damages. Uhlmann was also charged, but was acquitted of all charges. Interestingly, Uhlman's client actually testified that his lawyer told him that she would pay him $10,000.00 not to take the stand.
As a zealous lawyer, you desire to aggressively represent your clients. But that does not mean being unethical.