OLERE - Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Rules of Professional Conduct Questions and Answers

Question 1

An Oklahoma attorney is representing a client in a personal injury case on a contingent fee basis.
Which of the following is an absolute requirement for the fee agreement under the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct (ORPC)?

Accepted Answer

The agreement must be in writing and signed by the client.

Answer

The agreement must be verbally explained to the client in the presence of a witness.

Answer

The attorney must file a copy of the agreement with the court at the inception of the case.

Answer

The contingency fee percentage cannot exceed 33.3% of the recovery.

Question 2

An attorney in Tulsa learns confidential information from a client indicating the client's intent to commit a future crime that is reasonably certain to result in substantial bodily harm to another person. According to the ORPC, the attorney's professional responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Reveal the information to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to prevent the harm.

Answer

Immediately withdraw from the representation without disclosing the information to anyone.

Answer

Maintain absolute confidentiality as the information is privileged.

Answer

Disclose the information to the potential victim only if the client consents.

Question 3

A lawyer represents two co-defendants in a criminal matter. A conflict of interest arises when one co-defendant is offered a plea deal in exchange for testimony against the other. What must the lawyer do to continue representing both clients under the ORPC?

Accepted Answer

The lawyer must get informed consent, confirmed in writing, from both clients after explaining the risks and alternatives.

Answer

The lawyer can never continue to represent both clients once a conflict arises.

Answer

The lawyer need only inform the judge of the conflict and proceed as the court directs.

Answer

The lawyer can continue representing both as long as they believe they can act impartially.

Question 4

Which of the following forms of solicitation is generally prohibited for an Oklahoma lawyer seeking pecuniary gain under the Rules of Professional Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Making an in-person, unsolicited offer of employment to a potential client at an accident scene.

Answer

Sending a truthful, non-deceptive direct mail advertisement to a prospective client.

Answer

Placing a television advertisement that includes client testimonials with appropriate disclaimers.

Answer

Contacting a former client by telephone to offer services for a new legal matter.

Question 5

An attorney in Oklahoma City wants to enter into a reciprocal referral agreement with a local certified public accountant (CPA). According to ORPC Rule 7.2, which of the following conditions must be met for this agreement to be permissible?

Accepted Answer

The client must be informed of the existence and nature of the referral agreement.

Answer

The agreement must be exclusive, ensuring the CPA only refers clients to this attorney.

Answer

The attorney must pay the CPA a small, fixed fee for each client referred.

Answer

The agreement must be filed with and approved by the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Question 6

Under the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct concerning communication (Rule 1.4), which of the following is a lawyer required to do?

Accepted Answer

Promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance requiring the client's informed consent.

Answer

Follow the client's instructions on every tactical decision during a trial.

Answer

Provide the client with daily updates on the status of their case, regardless of developments.

Answer

Withhold upsetting or negative information from the client to avoid causing them distress.

An Oklahoma attorney is representing a client in a personal injury case on a contingent fee basis.Which of the following is an absolute requirement for the fee agreement under the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct (ORPC)?

An Oklahoma attorney is representing a client in a personal injury case on a contingent fee basis.
Which of the following is an absolute requirement for the fee agreement under the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct (ORPC)?