FREE CLA/CP Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility Questions and Answers

Question 1

A paralegal discovers that their supervising attorney has knowingly filed a motion containing false statements of fact.
Which of the following is the paralegal's MOST appropriate initial action, according to ethical rules?

Accepted Answer

Discuss the matter directly with the supervising attorney to seek clarification or correction.

Answer

Immediately inform the client of the attorney's misconduct.

Answer

Report the attorney directly to the state bar disciplinary committee.

Answer

Resign from the firm immediately without further action.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of ethical rules concerning 'conflicts of interest' for legal professionals?

Accepted Answer

To protect the integrity of the legal system and safeguard client loyalty and confidentiality.

Answer

To ensure all legal professionals earn a fair income.

Answer

To prevent legal professionals from taking on too many cases simultaneously.

Answer

To standardize legal fees across all practice areas.

Question 3

A paralegal is asked by their supervising attorney to notarize a document that the paralegal did not witness being signed. The attorney assures the paralegal that the signatory will confirm their signature later. What should the paralegal do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize the document, as it violates notary public ethics and potentially legal ethics.

Answer

Notarize the document as requested, trusting the attorney's assurance.

Answer

Notarize the document but make a note in the firm's file about the circumstances.

Answer

Suggest that another paralegal who might have seen the signing notarize it instead.

Question 4

Which of the following activities is generally considered the UNAUTHORIZED practice of law when performed by a paralegal?

Accepted Answer

Advising a client on the best course of action for their legal matter.

Answer

Conducting legal research for an attorney.

Answer

Drafting a complaint under the direct supervision of an attorney.

Answer

Organizing and summarizing discovery documents for an attorney.

Question 5

In a legal firm, the ethical duty of 'confidentiality' primarily applies to:

Accepted Answer

All information relating to the representation of a client, regardless of its source or whether it is 'secret'.

Answer

Only information designated as 'secret' by the client.

Answer

Only information that, if disclosed, would be detrimental to the client.

Answer

Information discussed during formal meetings only.

Question 6

A paralegal receives an email intended for opposing counsel, clearly sent by mistake. The email contains privileged information relevant to the case. What is the paralegal's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Notify the sender immediately and refrain from reviewing or using the privileged information.

Answer

Immediately review the email's contents to gain an advantage in the case.

Answer

Delete the email and pretend it was never received.

Answer

Forward the email to the supervising attorney for their review and decision.

A paralegal discovers that their supervising attorney has knowingly filed a motion containing false statements of fact.Which of the following is the paralegal's MOST appropriate initial action, according to ethical rules?

A paralegal discovers that their supervising attorney has knowingly filed a motion containing false statements of fact.
Which of the following is the paralegal's MOST appropriate initial action, according to ethical rules?