The Role of the Lawyer: Duties and Responsibilities in Legal Ethics

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a primary duty of a lawyer to their client?

Accepted Answer

To guarantee a successful outcome

Answer

To act competently and diligently

Answer

To maintain client confidentiality

Answer

To advocate zealously within the bounds of the law

Question 2

A lawyer is drafting a will for a client. The client asks the lawyer to include a provision that violates the law. The lawyer's ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Refuse to draft the will and explain the legal implications

Answer

Comply with the client's wishes

Answer

Inform the authorities about the client's intentions

Answer

Consult with another lawyer for advice

Question 3

Which of the following is a privilege that lawyers have in relation to communications with their clients?

Accepted Answer

Attorney-client privilege

Answer

Doctor-patient privilege

Answer

Priest-penitent privilege

Answer

Journalist-source privilege

Question 4

A lawyer is representing a client in a criminal case. The client informs the lawyer that they have committed perjury during their testimony. The lawyer's ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Withdraw from the case and report the perjury to the court

Answer

Continue representing the client and hope they are not caught

Answer

Inform the client of the consequences of perjury

Answer

Advise the client to confess to the court

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of legal ethics?

Accepted Answer

Impartiality

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Competence

Answer

Loyalty to the client

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a required standard of competence for a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Achieving a high success rate in cases

Answer

Possessing adequate legal knowledge and skills

Answer

Exercising diligence and preparation

Answer

Demonstrating strong communication skills

Question 7

How is the duty of loyalty distinct from the duty of confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

The duty of loyalty obligates lawyers to put the client's interests first, while the duty of confidentiality protects client communications.

Answer

The duty of loyalty is applicable only in criminal matters, whereas the duty of confidentiality applies to all legal matters.

Answer

The duty of confidentiality takes precedence over the duty of loyalty.

Answer

The duty of loyalty and the duty of confidentiality have no meaningful distinction.

Question 8

In the context of legal ethics, what are the key considerations regarding lawyer advertising? Explain the distinction between acceptable self-promotion and practices that are misleading or deceptive.

Accepted Answer

Lawyers have an ethical obligation to ensure that their advertising is truthful, non-deceptive, and does not create unrealistic expectations or guarantee outcomes.

Answer

Lawyers should have complete freedom to advertise their services without any ethical limitations.

Answer

Lawyers are ethically prohibited from advertising their services in any form.

Answer

Lawyers should only be allowed to advertise in specific, pre-approved directories or publications.

Question 9

How do ethics committees and ethics opinions guide lawyers in interpreting and applying ethical rules?

Accepted Answer

They offer persuasive guidance.

Answer

They impose ethical rules.

Answer

They replace existing ethical rules.

Question 10

In situations where a client's instructions conflict with the lawyer's ethical duties, which should take precedence?

Accepted Answer

The lawyer's ethical duties should always prevail

Answer

The client's instructions should be followed unconditionally

Answer

The interests of the court should be prioritized

Answer

The interests of the opposing party should be considered

Question 11

What is the primary role of the Legal Ombudsman?

Accepted Answer

Investigating complaints against lawyers and legal service providers

Answer

Providing free legal advice to the public

Answer

Regulating the legal profession and setting ethical standards

Answer

Representing clients in legal proceedings

Question 12

Which of the following is not a professional value that lawyers should strive to embody?

Accepted Answer

Pursuit of personal gain

Answer

Integrity and ethical behavior

Answer

Competence and proficiency

Answer

Objectivity and impartiality

Question 13

In which of the following situations would a lawyer be required to withdraw from representation?

Accepted Answer

If the lawyer discovers a conflict of interest

Answer

If the lawyer disagrees with the client's legal strategy

Answer

If the lawyer believes the client is unlikely to succeed

Answer

If the lawyer has a scheduling conflict

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of the attorney-client privilege?

Accepted Answer

To protect confidential communications between lawyer and client

Answer

To prevent lawyers from revealing privileged information

Answer

To allow lawyers to communicate with clients without fear of reprisal

Answer

To ensure that clients receive the best possible legal advice

Question 15

Which of the following is a key component of the duty of loyalty owed by a lawyer to their client?

Accepted Answer

To act in the client's best interests

Answer

To keep the client updated on all legal developments

Answer

To represent the client vigorously

Answer

To avoid making any mistakes

Question 16

The role of the lawyer as an advocate involves:

Accepted Answer

Vigorously defending the client's interests within the bounds of the law

Answer

Guaranteeing a successful outcome for the client

Answer

Acting as a passive observer during legal proceedings

Answer

Always agreeing with the client's position

Question 17

Which of the following is an ethical obligation of a lawyer in relation to the court?

Accepted Answer

To act with honesty and integrity

Answer

To conceal any evidence that may be harmful to the client

Answer

To always follow the instructions of the client

Answer

To avoid any personal conflicts with the judge

Question 18

The role of the lawyer as a counselor involves:

Accepted Answer

Providing legal advice and guidance to clients

Answer

Drafting legal documents

Answer

Litigating cases in court

Answer

Representing clients in negotiations

Question 19

The duty of competence requires lawyers to:

Accepted Answer

Possess the necessary legal knowledge and skills

Answer

Avoid making any legal errors

Answer

Guarantee a successful outcome for their clients

Answer

Keep up-to-date with all legal developments

Question 20

Which of the following is a key ethical principle that governs the lawyer's duty to the public?

Accepted Answer

To uphold the rule of law and promote access to justice

Answer

To put the interests of their clients above all else

Answer

To always act in a manner that is beneficial to society

Answer

To avoid any involvement in political or social issues

Question 21

A lawyer is representing a client who has been accused of a serious crime. The client admits to the lawyer that they committed the crime but insists on maintaining their innocence in court. Which of the following ethical duties is the lawyer primarily bound by in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Duty of confidentiality

Answer

Duty to uphold the law

Answer

Duty to the court

Answer

Duty of zealous advocacy

Question 22

A lawyer is preparing for a trial and discovers evidence that, while admissible, is likely to be highly prejudicial against their client. The lawyer believes that presenting this evidence could damage their client's chances of a fair trial. What ethical obligation should guide the lawyer's decision on whether or not to present this evidence?

Accepted Answer

Duty to advocate zealously for the client within the bounds of the law

Answer

Duty to act in the best interests of the client

Answer

Duty to disclose all relevant evidence to the court

Question 23

A lawyer is representing a client in a civil case. During a settlement negotiation, the lawyer learns that the other party is willing to offer a significantly higher settlement than the client had initially requested. The lawyer knows that the client would be very happy with this offer, but the client has instructed the lawyer not to settle for less than a specific amount. How should the lawyer proceed?

Accepted Answer

Advise the client of the offer and the risks of refusing it, while respecting the client's right to make the final decision.

Answer

Accept the offer on behalf of the client, as it is in their best interests.

Question 24

A lawyer is representing a client in a criminal case. During a pre-trial hearing, the lawyer learns that the client is planning to commit perjury on the stand. What is the lawyer's ethical obligation in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Advise the client against committing perjury and withdraw from representation if they refuse to comply.

Answer

Represent the client to the best of their ability, even if it means assisting in the commission of perjury.

Question 25

A lawyer is preparing to represent a client in a complex commercial litigation case. The lawyer has limited experience in this area of law but believes they can adequately represent the client. What ethical obligation should guide the lawyer's decision to accept the case?

Accepted Answer

Duty to ensure competence in the area of law involved, either by gaining the necessary experience or seeking assistance from a specialist.

Answer

Duty to accept all cases that are offered, regardless of expertise.

Question 26

A lawyer is working on a case that involves sensitive personal information about their client. The lawyer needs to share this information with a third party, such as an expert witness. What ethical principle should guide the lawyer's decision on how to share this information?

Accepted Answer

Duty of confidentiality, ensuring that the information is shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know it and that appropriate safeguards are in place.

Answer

Duty of disclosure, requiring the lawyer to share all relevant information with all parties involved.

Question 27

A lawyer is representing a client who is being sued by a large corporation. The lawyer believes that the corporation is using its financial resources to intimidate and pressure the client into settling for a lower amount than they deserve. What ethical obligation should guide the lawyer's response to this situation?

Accepted Answer

Duty to ensure that the client is not disadvantaged by the corporation's financial resources and that they have a fair opportunity to assert their rights.

Answer

Duty to prioritize the client's financial interests, even if it means accepting a settlement that is less than what they deserve.

Question 28

A lawyer is representing a client in a negotiation with another party. The lawyer learns that the other party is planning to use deception to gain an advantage. What ethical obligation should guide the lawyer's response to this situation?

Accepted Answer

Duty to act honestly and fairly in all dealings with the other party, even if it means disclosing their deceptive tactics to the client.

Answer

Duty to use any means necessary to achieve a favorable outcome for the client, even if it means resorting to deception.

Question 29

A lawyer is representing a client in a divorce case. The client is seeking a large sum of money in alimony. The lawyer knows that the client is financially secure and could afford to live comfortably without alimony. How should the lawyer approach the negotiation of alimony?

Accepted Answer

Advise the client of the legal and ethical implications of seeking alimony, even if it is financially unnecessary, and allow the client to make an informed decision.

Answer

Negotiate for the maximum amount of alimony possible, as it is in the client's best financial interests.

Question 30

A lawyer is representing a client in a case involving a complex legal issue. The lawyer is unsure of the correct legal interpretation and needs to conduct further research. What ethical obligation should guide the lawyer's actions?

Accepted Answer

Duty to undertake adequate research and ensure that they are competent to provide legal advice on the complex issue.

Answer

Duty to advise the client of their uncertainty and encourage them to seek legal advice from another lawyer.