CP Ethics and Professional Responsibility 2

Question 1

What is the unauthorized practice of law (UPL) and why must paralegals be aware of it?

Accepted Answer

Performing legal tasks only licensed attorneys may perform, which paralegals must avoid

Answer

UPL occurs when a non-attorney gives legal advice, represents clients in court, or sets legal fees.

Question 2

What is the attorney-client privilege and how does it extend to paralegals?

Accepted Answer

Protects confidential communications and extends to paralegals working under attorney supervision

Answer

Attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications for legal advice and extends to paralegals as agents of the attorney.

Question 3

According to NALA guidelines, what must a paralegal do upon discovering a conflict of interest?

Accepted Answer

Immediately disclose it to the supervising attorney

Answer

A paralegal must immediately report potential conflicts to the supervising attorney for appropriate action.

Question 4

What is an ethical wall in a law firm?

Accepted Answer

Screening procedures isolating a person from a case to prevent conflicts or improper disclosure

Answer

An ethical wall consists of screening procedures preventing a conflicted individual from accessing a case.

Question 5

What obligation does a paralegal have regarding client trust accounts?

Accepted Answer

Understanding that client funds must be kept separate and never commingled with firm funds

Answer

Client funds must always be kept separate from the firm's operating funds; commingling is a serious violation.

(CP) NALA Certified Paralegal Practice Test