Legal Ethics 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Law Students

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To follow the client's instructions, even if they are unethical

Answer

To act with competence and due diligence

Answer

To maintain client confidentiality

Answer

To zealously advocate for the client's interests

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the legal profession and uphold ethical standards

Answer

To provide legal aid to the public

Answer

To promote access to justice

Answer

To represent the interests of lawyers

Question 3

What is the concept of 'informed consent' in the context of legal ethics?

Accepted Answer

A client's understanding and agreement to a lawyer's proposed course of action after being fully informed of all material information

Answer

A lawyer's duty to act in the best interests of the client, even if the client disagrees

Answer

The principle that lawyers must protect their clients from harm

Answer

The requirement that lawyers disclose all potential conflicts of interest

Question 4

Lawyers face an ethical obligation to provide pro bono legal services. However, they also need to earn a living. How should lawyers balance these two responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Lawyers should balance their ethical obligation to provide pro bono legal services with their need to earn a living.

Answer

Lawyers have no ethical obligation to provide pro bono legal services.

Answer

Lawyers should prioritize pro bono work over paid work.

Answer

Lawyers should only provide pro bono services to clients who are unable to pay for legal representation.

Question 5

How do cultural and legal variations impact the ethical responsibilities of lawyers across different jurisdictions?

Accepted Answer

Cultural and legal differences can influence the ethical obligations of lawyers in various ways, impacting their duties to clients, the court, and the public.

Answer

Cultural and legal differences do not affect the ethical obligations of lawyers.

Answer

Cultural and legal differences mainly influence the ethical obligations of lawyers in non-Western jurisdictions.

Answer

Cultural and legal differences should be ignored when determining the ethical obligations of lawyers.

Question 6

What is the primary function of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)?

Accepted Answer

To govern the legal profession in England and Wales

Answer

To distribute legal aid to those in need

Answer

To conduct criminal investigations involving lawyers

Answer

To establish standards for legal education

Question 7

What is the key distinction between ethical obligations and professional responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Ethical obligations are moral principles, while professional responsibilities are legal requirements.

Answer

Professional responsibilities are moral principles, while ethical obligations are legal requirements.

Answer

Ethical obligations and professional responsibilities are equivalent.

Answer

There is no difference between ethical obligations and professional responsibilities.

Question 8

In a criminal case, what is the paramount ethical duty of an attorney?

Accepted Answer

To zealously advocate for the client within the bounds of the law.

Answer

To ensure the client's conviction regardless of guilt or innocence.

Answer

To disclose all evidence, both inculpatory and exculpatory, to the prosecution.

Answer

To remain neutral and unbiased throughout the proceedings.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Duty to oneself

Answer

Duty to the client

Answer

Duty to the court

Answer

Duty to society

Question 10

What is the fundamental purpose of ethical rules in the legal profession?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard the fairness, integrity, and public trust in the justice system.

Answer

To protect the interests of clients above all else.

Answer

To promote the personal interests and financial well-being of lawyers.

Answer

To reduce the potential legal liability of attorneys.

Question 11

What fundamental distinction exists between a legal obligation and an ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Legal obligations are enforceable by law, whereas ethical obligations are not.

Answer

Ethical obligations hold greater significance than legal obligations.

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between legal and ethical obligations.

Answer

Legal obligations apply to all citizens, while ethical obligations are exclusive to lawyers.

Question 12

When determining the reasonableness of a lawyer's fees, which factor is irrelevant?

Accepted Answer

The lawyer's financial needs

Answer

The complexity of the legal matter

Answer

The time spent on the case

Answer

The experience and reputation of the lawyer

Question 13

According to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which principle is NOT fundamental to legal ethics?

Accepted Answer

Self-interest

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Competence

Question 14

The 'duty of care' in legal ethics refers to:

Accepted Answer

A lawyer's legal obligation to act in the best interests of their clients.

Answer

A lawyer's ethical duty to maintain client confidentiality.

Answer

A lawyer's ethical duty to avoid conflicts of interest.

Question 15

Which ethical rule prohibits lawyers from representing clients with conflicting interests?

Accepted Answer

Conflict of Interest Rule

Answer

Confidentiality Rule

Answer

Professional Conduct Rule

Answer

Candor Rule

Question 16

What is the overarching goal of legal ethics?

Accepted Answer

To uphold the fairness and integrity of the legal system.

Answer

To promote economic growth within the legal profession.

Answer

To protect the interests of lawyers exclusively.

Question 17

What is the primary function of the Legal Ombudsman?

Accepted Answer

To investigate complaints against legal professionals and firms.

Answer

To establish ethical standards for the legal profession.

Answer

To provide legal ethics training for lawyers.

Question 18

Which of the following qualities is characteristic of an ethical lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Integrity, empathy, and a commitment to justice

Answer

Intelligence, charisma, and exceptional work ethic

Answer

Aggressiveness, ruthlessness, and a 'win-at-all-costs' attitude

Answer

Wealth, power, and high social status

Question 19

The ethical duty of competence for lawyers entails:

Accepted Answer

Possessing the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to handle clients' legal matters effectively.

Answer

Charging reasonable fees for legal services.

Answer

Always securing the most favorable outcome for clients.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Maintaining personal wealth

Answer

Protecting client confidentiality

Answer

Avoiding conflicts of interest

Answer

Acting with integrity and honesty

Question 21

What is the primary ethical duty of a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

To act in the best interests of the client, within the bounds of the law

Answer

To uphold the law at all times

Answer

To make a profit

Answer

To maintain a good reputation

Question 22

Which of the following is a potential consequence of breaching legal ethics?

Accepted Answer

Disciplinary action, including disbarment

Answer

Financial reward

Answer

Increased client satisfaction

Answer

Enhanced reputation

Question 23

What is the distinction between a rule of ethics and a rule of law?

Accepted Answer

Rules of ethics are aspirational guidelines, while rules of law are enforceable mandates.

Answer

Rules of law are aspirational guidelines, while rules of ethics are enforceable mandates.

Answer

There is no difference between the two types of rules.

Question 24

Which of the following is a key ethical issue in the use of technology in legal practice?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining client confidentiality in digital environments

Answer

Expanding access to legal services

Answer

Reducing costs

Answer

Improving efficiency

Question 25

What is the primary function of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in relation to legal ethics?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the conduct of solicitors in England and Wales and enforce ethical standards

Answer

To represent lawyers in disciplinary proceedings

Answer

To provide legal advice to the government

Question 26

Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest for a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Simultaneously representing adverse parties in the same matter

Answer

Working for a client on a pro bono basis

Answer

Accepting a gift from a friend who is also a client

Question 27

What is the primary purpose of the duty of confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

To protect client information from unauthorized disclosure and maintain trust

Answer

To limit the number of cases that lawyers can handle

Answer

To ensure that lawyers are not held liable for their clients' actions

Question 28

Which of the following is a unique ethical challenge for lawyers working in-house?

Accepted Answer

Balancing the interests of the employer organization with the interests of individual employees

Answer

Maintaining independence from external counsel

Answer

Avoiding conflicts of interest with outside clients

Question 29

When faced with an ethical dilemma in legal practice, what is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Seek guidance from a supervisor, colleague, or professional ethics advisor

Answer

Follow personal instincts without seeking external input

Answer

Ignore the dilemma and hope it resolves itself