Also known as: substantial parts · substantial portion
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A significant or considerable portion of events, property, information, or other matter that meets a legal threshold for triggering rights or obligations.
Santiago Sanchez retained counsel to defend him in a high-profile criminal matter. Before the representation ended, counsel negotiated a book deal that drew its core narrative from client interviews and case files. The agreement violated the rule because the portrayal rested on a substantial part of information obtained during the representation.
Santiago Sanchez sued a federal officer in his official capacity. Because a substantial part of the events giving rise to the claim occurred in the chosen district, venue was proper under the statute even though the officer resided elsewhere.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Sean Steele sued a U.S. agency officer. A substantial part of the events or omissions occurred in the district where the officer performed the challenged acts, satisfying the venue statute for actions against federal officers.
Simone Sanders sued over title to real property. Because a substantial part of the property that was the subject of the action was situated in the district, venue was proper under the federal-officer venue statute.
Spencer Silver sued a federal employee. A substantial part of the events occurred in one district while the plaintiff resided in another. The statute permitted venue in either location when no real property was involved.
Sydney Santos's lawyer negotiated a media deal after the representation concluded. The agreement was permitted because the rule's prohibition applies only prior to conclusion of the representation and only when the account rests on a substantial part of protected information.
A court examines whether the events in the chosen district bear a significant connection to the claim rather than being minimal or tangential. The statute does not require that a majority of events occur in the district, only that a substantial part do so. Submission and funding of fraudulent loan applications in one district can satisfy the test even when preparation occurred elsewhere.
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No. The rule bars agreements when the portrayal is based in substantial part on information relating to the representation. Partial reliance on protected information is enough to trigger the prohibition before the representation concludes.
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Yes. Courts have held that one event or omission can be substantial when it forms a critical component of the claim, such as the place where funds were disbursed in a fraud case or where an injury occurred after a defective product was delivered.
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…or the "many other important programs, both public and private, which contain provisions for disability payments affecting a substantial portion of the work force . . . ." Richardson v. Belcher , 404 U. S., at 85-87 (Douglas, J., dissenting). See Staff of the House Committee on Ways and Means, Report on the Disability Insurance…