WI Bar Wisconsin Professional Responsibility and Ethics

Question 1

Under Wisconsin SCR 20:1.6, which of the following best describes the scope of an attorney's duty of confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

It applies to all information relating to the representation of a client, regardless of its source

Answer

It applies only to information protected by the attorney-client privilege

Answer

It applies only to written communications between attorney and client

Answer

It applies only to information the client explicitly labels as confidential

Question 2

Under Wisconsin SCR 20:1.1, which element is NOT explicitly required for competent representation?

Accepted Answer

Guaranteeing a favorable outcome for the client

Answer

Legal knowledge

Answer

Thoroughness

Answer

Preparation

Question 3

Under Wisconsin SCR 20:1.7, a concurrent conflict of interest exists when representation of one client is directly adverse to another client OR when there is a significant risk that representation will be materially limited by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The attorney's responsibilities to another client, a former client, a third person, or the attorney's own interests

Answer

The attorney's personal beliefs about the case

Answer

The complexity of the legal issues involved

Answer

The amount of the fee charged to the client

Question 4

Wisconsin SCR 20:1.4 requires an attorney to keep a client reasonably informed. Which of the following situations would most clearly violate this rule?

Accepted Answer

Failing to promptly inform a client of a settlement offer received from opposing counsel

Answer

Failing to explain every procedural step in minute detail

Answer

Not providing a client with a written copy of every filing

Answer

Declining to share the attorney's personal opinion about the client's character

Question 5

Under Wisconsin SCR 20:3.3, if an attorney's client intends to offer testimony the attorney knows to be false, what is the attorney's first obligation?

Accepted Answer

Remonstrate with the client confidentially, seeking to persuade the client not to offer false testimony

Answer

Immediately withdraw from the representation without any notice

Answer

Permit the client to testify and then impeach the client's testimony

Answer

Disclose the planned false testimony to the tribunal before it occurs

Question 6

Wisconsin SCR 20:8.4 provides that it is professional misconduct for an attorney to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. Which scenario below would most likely constitute a violation?

Accepted Answer

Knowingly making a false statement of fact in negotiations with opposing counsel

Answer

Vigorously arguing a novel legal theory that has not been adopted by any court

Answer

Advising a client that the client's case has legal weaknesses

Answer

Charging a contingent fee in a civil litigation matter

Question 7

Under Wisconsin SCR 20:4.2, an attorney representing a client generally may not communicate about the subject of the representation with a person the attorney knows to be represented by another lawyer. Which of the following is an exception to this rule?

Accepted Answer

The other lawyer or the court has given prior authorization for the communication

Answer

The communication is initiated by the represented person

Answer

The represented person is also an attorney

Answer

The communication involves only publicly available information