CP CP Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Question 1

Under California Rules of Professional Conduct, a paralegal must avoid engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, which includes which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Giving a client independent legal advice without attorney oversight

Answer

Providing independent legal advice to clients without attorney supervision constitutes the unauthorized practice of law in California.

Question 2

Which California statute specifically governs the conduct and qualifications of paralegals?

Accepted Answer

California Business and Professions Code § 6450

Answer

California Business and Professions Code § 6450 defines paralegals and establishes their qualifications and ethical obligations.

Question 3

A paralegal discovers that a supervising attorney is billing a client for work the paralegal never performed. The paralegal's primary ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Report it internally and, if unresolved, to the State Bar

Answer

Paralegals have an ethical duty to report suspected fraud or misconduct through internal channels and, if unresolved, to the appropriate authority.

Question 4

Confidentiality obligations for a California paralegal under the attorney-client privilege:

Accepted Answer

Continue indefinitely even after employment ends

Answer

The duty to preserve client confidentiality survives the end of a matter and the end of employment.

Question 5

When a paralegal changes jobs, which conflict-of-interest concern arises most immediately?

Accepted Answer

The paralegal may carry confidential information about former clients to the new firm

Answer

A paralegal switching firms may create a conflict of interest if the new firm represents adverse parties to former clients whose confidential information the paralegal possesses.

(CP) California Certified Paralegal Practice Test

(CP) California Certified Paralegal Practice Test

CP CP Ethics & Professional Responsibility