HI Bar - Hawaii Bar Hawaii Rules of Conduct Questions and Answers

Question 1

An attorney in Honolulu represents the buyer and seller in a single real estate transaction. The parties' interests are not directly adverse, but there is a significant risk that the attorney's representation of one will be materially limited by her responsibilities to the other. Under the Hawaii Rules of Professional Conduct (HRPC), what is the MINIMUM requirement for the attorney to continue with this concurrent representation?

Accepted Answer

The attorney reasonably believes she can provide competent representation, and both clients give informed consent, confirmed in writing.

Answer

HRPC 1.7(b) permits representation in a concurrent conflict of interest situation only if four conditions are met: (1) the lawyer reasonably believes they can provide competent and diligent representation to each client; (2) the representation is not prohibited by law; (3) the representation does not involve asserting a claim by one client against another in the same litigation; and (4) each affected client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing. Simply believing one can provide competent representation is insufficient, and verbal consent is not enough; the consent must be informed and confirmed in writing. [5, 9, 25, 26]

Question 2

A lawyer in Hilo receives a $5,000 retainer from a new client for a civil litigation matter. According to the HRPC, where must the lawyer initially deposit these funds?

Accepted Answer

In a separate, interest-bearing client trust account (IOLTA).

Answer

HRPC 1.15(a) explicitly requires that a lawyer hold property of clients separate from the lawyer's own property. [8] Funds, such as a retainer, must be kept in a separate client trust account. [7, 10] In Hawaii, these are typically Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA). [10] Commingling client funds with the firm's operating or personal accounts is a serious violation. [22] Funds paid in advance are considered unearned and must remain in the trust account until they are earned by the lawyer. [3, 8, 10]

Question 3

During a bench trial in Maui Circuit Court, an attorney's client provides testimony that the attorney knows to be false. According to HRPC 3.3, Candor Toward the Tribunal, what is the attorney's primary duty?

Accepted Answer

Take reasonable remedial measures, which may include disclosure to the court if necessary.

Answer

Under HRPC 3.3(a)(4), if a lawyer has offered material evidence and comes to know of its falsity, the lawyer must take reasonable remedial measures. [4, 27] These duties apply even if compliance requires disclosure of information otherwise protected by HRPC 1.6. [21] Reasonable measures typically start with remonstrating with the client, but if that fails, the duty of candor to the tribunal is paramount and may require disclosing the perjury to the court. [21, 29] Merely withdrawing may not be a sufficient remedial measure. [4]

Question 4

Which of the following forms of communication by a Hawaii attorney is most likely to be an improper solicitation under the HRPC?

Accepted Answer

Sending a direct, private message via social media to a specific person recently identified in a news article as having been injured in an accident, offering legal services.

Answer

HRPC 7.3(a) generally prohibits a lawyer from soliciting professional employment by live person-to-person contact when a significant motive is the lawyer's pecuniary gain. This includes real-time electronic contact directed to a specific person who the lawyer knows needs legal services. [18, 19] General advertising through public media like TV or websites is permissible under HRPC 7.2. [14, 16] A targeted, real-time message to a known potential client is considered improper solicitation.

Question 5

An attorney represents a client in a business negotiation. During a confidential consultation, the client calmly and credibly states, 'If this deal falls through, I'm going to cause a serious accident for the other party.' The attorney reasonably believes the client has the intent and capability to cause substantial bodily harm. Under HRPC 1.6, what is the attorney permitted to do?

Accepted Answer

The attorney may reveal the information to the extent the attorney reasonably believes necessary to prevent the harm.

Answer

HRPC 1.6(c)(1) provides a discretionary exception to the duty of confidentiality. A lawyer may reveal information relating to the representation of a client to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm. [13, 15, 20] The rule does not make reporting mandatory, but it permits it to prevent such severe harm. The attorney does not need client consent for this specific exception.

HI Bar - Hawaii Bar Exam Practice Test

HI Bar - Hawaii Bar Exam Practice Test

HI Bar - Hawaii Bar Hawaii Rules of Conduct Questions and Answers