Law Firm Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility 2

Question 1

What is the 'attorney-client privilege'?

Accepted Answer

A legal protection for confidential communications between attorney and client

Answer

The attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications between a lawyer and client from compelled disclosure.

Question 2

Under what circumstances may a lawyer reveal client confidences without consent?

Accepted Answer

To prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm

Answer

ABA Rule 1.6(b) permits disclosure without consent primarily to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm.

Question 3

What is 'zealous advocacy' in the context of legal ethics?

Accepted Answer

Representing a client's interests vigorously within the bounds of the law

Answer

Zealous advocacy means representing a client's interests as strongly as possible while still adhering to ethical and legal rules.

Question 4

What disciplinary body oversees attorney conduct in each US state?

Accepted Answer

State bar association or disciplinary board

Answer

Each state's bar association or disciplinary board has authority to investigate complaints and sanction attorneys for ethical violations.

Question 5

Which ethical concept prevents an attorney from representing a new client whose interests are adverse to a former client in the same matter?

Accepted Answer

Successive conflict of interest

Answer

A successive conflict of interest arises when a lawyer's duty of loyalty to a former client prevents representation of an adverse new client in the same or substantially related matter.

Law Firm Practice Test

Law Firm Practice Test

Law Firm Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility 2