LSO Barrister Ethics

Question 1

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), what is a lawyer's duty when they discover their client has committed perjury?

Accepted Answer

The lawyer must attempt to persuade the client to rectify the false testimony; if the client refuses, the lawyer must withdraw from the representation, but the lawyer generally cannot disclose the perjury to the court due to solicitor-client privilege, except through withdrawal

Answer

This creates a difficult ethical dilemma. The lawyer cannot knowingly present false evidence or mislead the court, but also owes a duty of confidentiality to the client. The resolution is: (1) firmly advise the client to correct the testimony; (2) if the client refuses, withdraw from the case, citing inability to continue in a manner consistent with professional obligations; (3) the lawyer cannot reveal the reason for withdrawal or disclose the perjury directly, but withdrawal prevents ongoing participation in the misleading of the court.

Question 2

What are a lawyer's obligations regarding 'competence' under the LSO Rules?

Accepted Answer

A lawyer must perform all legal services competently, which includes knowing applicable law, performing thorough investigation and research, applying knowledge and skills effectively, managing time and resources, and recognizing and resolving limitations in competence

Answer

Rule 3.1 defines competence broadly: it includes intellectual capacity to perform legal analysis, ability to research and apply the law, communication skills, organizational skills to manage practice effectively, capacity to advise clients appropriately, and recognition of one's own limitations. A competent lawyer must also engage in continuing professional development, maintain appropriate client service standards, and adapt to changes in the law.

Question 3

What is the 'undertaking' in legal practice and what are the consequences of breaching one?

Accepted Answer

A personal promise by a lawyer to do or refrain from doing something, which is binding on the lawyer's honour and professional integrity — breach can result in disciplinary proceedings, costs orders, and loss of professional reputation

Answer

A lawyer's undertaking is one of the most serious professional obligations. It is a personal promise given by the lawyer that binds them on their professional honour. Breach of an undertaking can result in: disciplinary proceedings by the LSO, contempt of court, costs orders, professional negligence claims, and severe reputational damage. Lawyers should only give undertakings they are certain they can fulfill, and should record them in writing.

Question 4

What are the obligations of a lawyer who receives privileged or confidential documents that were clearly sent in error (inadvertent disclosure)?

Accepted Answer

The lawyer must immediately stop reading the documents, notify the sender, and follow any directions regarding return or destruction of the documents, without using the information gained

Answer

Rule 7.2-10 of the Rules of Professional Conduct addresses inadvertent disclosure. Upon recognizing that documents are privileged or confidential and were sent in error, the lawyer must: (1) immediately stop reviewing them; (2) promptly notify the sender; (3) return, destroy, or otherwise deal with the documents as directed by the sender. Using inadvertently disclosed privileged information would undermine the fundamental principle of solicitor-client privilege and the integrity of the litigation process.

Question 5

What is a lawyer's duty regarding access to justice under the LSO's Rules of Professional Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Lawyers have a professional obligation to contribute to the legal profession's goal of providing access to justice, including providing legal services pro bono, supporting legal aid, and taking steps to reduce barriers to accessing legal services

Answer

The LSO Rules recognize that lawyers have a role in promoting access to justice. This includes: participating in pro bono work (the LSO encourages 50 hours per year through Pro Bono Ontario), supporting legal aid and community legal clinics, using alternative billing arrangements to improve affordability, promoting ADR where appropriate, and supporting law reform initiatives that improve access. The broader legal profession's legitimacy depends on access to justice for all.

Ontario Bar Barrister Practice Test

Ontario Bar Barrister Practice Test

LSO Barrister Ethics