Free TN Bar Ethical Issues in the Legal Profession Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is considered a violation of the duty of competence?

Accepted Answer

Representing a client in a complex matter without sufficient preparation

Answer

Charging a higher fee for more complex cases

Answer

Referring a client to a more experienced lawyer

Answer

Taking on a case in an unfamiliar area of law but conducting thorough research

Question 2

What is the proper action for a lawyer if they know that their client intends to testify falsely in court?

Accepted Answer

Advise the client against testifying and if necessary, withdraw from the case

Answer

Allow the client to testify and correct the record later

Answer

Prevent the client from testifying

Answer

Inform the judge immediately

Question 3

Under what circumstances can a lawyer charge a contingent fee?

Accepted Answer

In civil cases where the fee is based on the outcome

Answer

In any case

Answer

Only in personal injury cases

Answer

In criminal cases to ensure payment

Question 4

Which of the following actions is considered an ethical violation concerning conflicts of interest?

Accepted Answer

Representing two clients with potentially conflicting interests without obtaining informed consent

Answer

Representing clients in unrelated matters

Answer

Referring a client to another lawyer due to a conflict of interest

Answer

Seeking a waiver of the conflict from both clients after full disclosure

Question 5

What is the primary duty of a lawyer when representing a client?

Accepted Answer

To represent the client zealously within the bounds of the law

Answer

To ensure the lawyer gets paid

Answer

To guarantee a win for the client

Answer

To follow the client’s instructions without question