FREE CLA/CP Professional and Ethical Responsibility Questions and Answers

Question 1

A paralegal, while having lunch with a friend in a public cafe, discusses a high-profile client's confidential case details.
The conversation is overheard by a reporter sitting at the next table.
Which fundamental ethical duty has the paralegal breached?

Accepted Answer

Duty of Confidentiality

Answer

Duty of Competence

Answer

Duty to Avoid Conflicts of Interest

Answer

Duty to Disclose Paralegal Status

Question 2

An experienced paralegal works for a busy solo practitioner who is often in court. A client calls and is very anxious, asking for an opinion on whether they should accept a settlement offer. The attorney is unreachable. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the paralegal to take?

Accepted Answer

Inform the client that they are a paralegal and cannot provide legal advice, and then offer to schedule a call with the attorney as soon as possible.

Answer

Advise the client that while they cannot give an opinion, similar cases have settled for that amount.

Answer

Review the file and give the client their professional opinion on the settlement offer.

Answer

Tell the client to accept the offer to avoid missing the deadline.

Question 3

A law firm is considering hiring a paralegal who previously worked for the opposing counsel on a large, ongoing litigation matter. To avoid disqualification of the firm, which of the following is the most critical step the hiring firm must take?

Accepted Answer

Implement an ethical wall to screen the paralegal from any involvement or communication related to the specific case.

Answer

Ensure the paralegal signs a general non-disclosure agreement.

Answer

Ask the paralegal to certify that they will not use any prior knowledge.

Answer

Notify the state bar association of the new hire.

Question 4

Which of the following activities would constitute the unauthorized practice of law (UPL) if performed by a paralegal?

Accepted Answer

Signing and sending a letter to a client that provides a legal opinion on the merits of their case.

Answer

Drafting a response to interrogatories for an attorney's review and signature.

Answer

Interviewing a new client to gather factual information about their case.

Answer

Organizing and managing case files and client documents.

Question 5

A paralegal receives a check from a client representing an advance on fees and costs. What is the proper procedure for handling these funds?

Accepted Answer

Deposit the check into the firm's client trust account.

Answer

Deposit the check into the law firm's general operating account.

Answer

Cash the check and give the funds to the supervising attorney.

Answer

Hold the check in the client's physical file until the fees are earned.

Question 6

According to the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, a paralegal has a duty to maintain a high degree of competency. Which of the following best demonstrates fulfillment of this duty?

Accepted Answer

Regularly participating in continuing legal education (CLE) programs.

Answer

Working at the same law firm for over twenty years.

Answer

Only performing tasks explicitly assigned by the supervising attorney.

Answer

Socializing with attorneys and other legal professionals.