Legal Definitions - runner

The term "runner" has several distinct meanings within a legal or related context:

• 1. A Legal Document Courier

  In a law office, a "runner" is an employee responsible for physically transporting legal documents. This often involves delivering papers between different offices, taking documents to clients, or filing important paperwork at the courthouse or other government agencies.

  • Example 1: A junior paralegal was assigned the task of being the "runner" for the day, ensuring that a critical motion was filed with the court clerk before the 5 PM deadline and delivering a signed settlement agreement to the opposing counsel's office.

    Explanation: This illustrates the role of a law office employee who physically handles and transports legal documents for filing and delivery.

  • Example 2: A large corporate law firm employs several dedicated "runners" whose primary job is to manage the daily flow of physical mail, inter-office documents, and court filings across their multiple city locations.

    Explanation: Here, the "runner" is a professional courier for legal documents, highlighting the administrative and logistical aspect of the role.

• 2. An Illegal Case Solicitor (also known as a "capper")

  This refers to an individual who illegally or unethically solicits clients for a lawyer, particularly in personal injury cases. "Runners" often approach accident victims or their families directly, encouraging them to pursue legal action and directing them to a specific attorney, usually in exchange for a fee from the lawyer. This practice is widely prohibited by legal ethics rules to prevent exploitation and maintain the integrity of the legal profession.

  • Example 1: Shortly after a serious car accident, a "runner" appeared at the hospital, attempting to convince the injured driver to hire a particular personal injury attorney by offering a cash incentive.

    Explanation: This demonstrates a "runner" directly soliciting a potential client for a lawyer, often at a vulnerable moment, which is an unethical and often illegal practice.

  • Example 2: An investigation revealed that a medical clinic employee was acting as a "runner," secretly selling patient contact information to a law firm specializing in medical malpractice, violating patient privacy and legal ethics.

    Explanation: This example shows a "runner" facilitating client acquisition for a lawyer through illicit means, highlighting the prohibited nature of the activity.

• 3. A Smuggler

  In a broader sense, a "runner" can refer to someone who illegally transports goods or people, often across borders or into restricted areas, to avoid customs, taxes, or legal prohibitions.

  • Example 1: Border patrol agents apprehended a "runner" attempting to transport a large quantity of untaxed cigarettes across the state line, concealed within a commercial delivery truck.

    Explanation: This illustrates a "runner" engaged in the illegal transportation of goods to evade taxes.

  • Example 2: The international crime syndicate used "runners" to move counterfeit designer goods from overseas manufacturing hubs into various retail markets, bypassing official import channels.

    Explanation: Here, "runners" are individuals involved in the illicit movement of prohibited or undeclared items across jurisdictions.

• 4. An Escape or Flight (British English Slang)

  In British English, "a runner" can informally refer to a sudden departure or escape, often to avoid a difficult situation, responsibility, or confrontation.

  • Example 1: Faced with mounting debts and an impending eviction notice, the tenant did "a runner," vacating the apartment overnight without informing the landlord.

    Explanation: This shows someone making a sudden, unannounced departure to avoid financial obligations.

  • Example 2: After being caught cheating on the exam, the student made "a runner" from the classroom before the invigilator could formally report them.

    Explanation: This example illustrates a quick escape to avoid immediate consequences or accountability.