CLA/CP Exam CLA/CP Professional and Ethical Responsibility Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A paralegal discovers that the supervising attorney has missed a critical filing deadline. What is the paralegal's most appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the supervising attorney of the missed deadline

Answer

File the document immediately without telling the attorney

Answer

Contact the client directly to explain the error

Answer

File a complaint with the state bar association

Question 2

Which of the following activities would constitute the unauthorized practice of law by a paralegal?

Accepted Answer

Advising a client on whether to accept a settlement offer

Answer

Drafting a complaint under attorney supervision

Answer

Conducting legal research on case precedents

Answer

Organizing and indexing documents for trial preparation

Question 3

A paralegal working at a family law firm leaves to join a firm representing the opposing spouse in an active divorce case. What must occur?

Accepted Answer

The new firm must implement an ethical screen around the paralegal

Answer

The paralegal may work on the case if they promise not to share information

Answer

The paralegal must withdraw from the new firm entirely

Answer

No action is needed because paralegals are not bound by conflict rules

Question 4

Under NALA's Model Standards and Guidelines, which statement best describes a paralegal's obligation regarding continuing education?

Accepted Answer

Paralegals should maintain competence through continuing legal education and professional development

Answer

Continuing education is optional and left to employer discretion

Answer

Only paralegals with certifications need continuing education

Answer

Continuing education is required only during the first five years of practice

Question 5

An attorney asks a paralegal to notarize a document that the paralegal did not witness being signed. The paralegal is a commissioned notary. What should the paralegal do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize because the signer was not personally present

Answer

Notarize the document since the attorney requested it

Answer

Notarize it but note the attorney's request in the notary journal

Answer

Ask another paralegal to notarize it instead

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'fee splitting' as it relates to paralegals?

Accepted Answer

An attorney may not split legal fees with a paralegal because it constitutes aiding unauthorized practice of law

Answer

A paralegal may split legal fees with an attorney as a performance bonus

Answer

Paralegals may receive a percentage of fees only in contingency cases

Answer

Fee splitting is permitted if disclosed to the client in writing