FREE NJ Bar Professional Responsibility and Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

Can a New Jersey attorney enter into a contingency fee arrangement for criminal defense cases?

Accepted Answer

No, contingency fees are prohibited for criminal defense cases

Answer

Yes, if the client agrees in writing

Answer

Yes, but only if the case involves a felony charge

Answer

Yes, but only if the client is indigent

Question 2

What is the primary source of ethical rules governing attorneys in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

New Jersey Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Answer

New Jersey Statutes Annotated

Answer

New Jersey Court Rules

Answer

New Jersey Administrative Code

Question 3

Under New Jersey ethics rules, when must a lawyer disclose a conflict of interest to a client?

Accepted Answer

Before agreeing to represent the client

Answer

Within 30 days of discovering the conflict

Answer

Only if the client requests it

Answer

At the conclusion of the representation

Question 4

In New Jersey, what is the duty of a lawyer with regard to maintaining client confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

A lawyer must maintain confidentiality of all information related to the representation of a client

Answer

Only confidential information disclosed during formal meetings is protected

Answer

Confidential information can be disclosed if a court orders it

Answer

Confidentiality does not apply to information obtained from public sources

Question 5

What must a New Jersey attorney do if they learn that a client has made a false statement to a tribunal?

Accepted Answer

The attorney must correct the false statement or withdraw from the case

Answer

The attorney must ignore the false statement

Answer

The attorney must withdraw from representing the client

Answer

The attorney must report the client to law enforcement