FREE LA Bar Professional Responsibility Questions and Answers
Under the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct, what is a lawyer required to do regarding communication with a client?
Louisiana Rule 1.4 mandates that a lawyer must keep the client reasonably informed about the status of their case and consult with the client regarding the means to achieve the client’s objectives. This ensures effective communication and client involvement in decision-making.
Under Louisiana's Rules of Professional Conduct, what is required for a lawyer to represent clients with conflicting interests?
Louisiana Rule 1.7 requires that a lawyer obtain informed consent from all affected clients after fully disclosing the nature of the conflict of interest. This ensures that all parties are aware of and agree to the representation despite the conflict.
Under Louisiana's Rules of Professional Conduct, when is a lawyer permitted to disclose confidential information about a client?
According to Louisiana Rule 1.6 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, a lawyer may disclose confidential information if the client gives informed consent. Other exceptions, such as compliance with court orders or to prevent certain harms, also apply but are specific and not discretionary like informed consent.
According to Louisiana's Rules of Professional Conduct, how should a lawyer handle client funds that are to be held in trust?
Louisiana Rule 1.15 requires lawyers to keep client funds in a separate trust account specifically designated for client funds. This segregation ensures that client funds are not mixed with the lawyer’s personal or business funds and are used solely for the client’s benefit.
Under the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct, what must a lawyer do if they lack competence in a particular area of law but are hired to handle a case in that area?
According to Louisiana Rule 1.1, a lawyer must provide competent representation to a client. If the lawyer lacks competence in a particular area of law, they should either gain the necessary competence or refer the case to another lawyer who is competent in that area.