Legal Ethics Quiz

Unethical behavior on the part of a paralegal _____________.

• is usually overlooked because paralegals are not covered by attorney ethical rules

• hardly ever leads to serious problems

• usually does not injure a client

• cannot cause the paralegal to lose his or her job

• none of the above

Legal ethics is important because ______________________.

• it can result in discipline against attorneys in a law office

• it bears on whether quality legal services are being provided

• it is directly related to the attorney–client relationship

• unethical behavior can affect a law firm’s reputation

• all of the above

When a client loses confidence in a firm, the client may __________________.

• take his or her business elsewhere, having a short-term negative effect on the firm

• continue using the firm without any concerns

• recommend the firm to others

• increase their business with the firm

An ethical rule is a _______________.

• maximum standard of conduct

• minimal standard of conduct that an attorney’s behavior may not fall below

• rule mandated by the American Bar Association for all states

• a and b

• all of the above

The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct _______________.

• are mandated ethical rules that must be adopted by every state

• are handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court

• are voluntary rules for ABA members but may also be adopted by state bar associations

• all of the above

• b and d

State ethical rules that regulate attorney conduct _______________.

• also apply directly to paralegals

• do not apply directly to paralegals, but the codes of ethics of voluntary paralegal associations do apply

• apply directly to paralegals in certain situations

• do not apply directly to paralegals

• none of the above

Under the ABA Model Rules, a lawyer having direct supervisory authority over a nonlawyer _______________.

• is not responsible for the nonlawyer’s conduct

• has no duty to take reasonable efforts to ensure that the nonlawyer’s conduct is ethical

• shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the nonlawyer’s conduct is ethical

• a and c

• none of the above

National paralegal association codes of ethics are _________________.

• mandatory for all paralegals

• Enforced by state bar associations

• legally binding regulations

• None of the above

Regarding the unauthorized practice of law, what factors do courts NOT consider when determining if a paralegal was “practicing law”?

• Did the paralegal represent a client in a court proceeding?

• Did the paralegal prepare documents without attorney supervision?

• Did the paralegal give legal advice to a client?

• Did the paralegal at some point merely talk to the client without a lawyer present?

• None of the above

What type of paralegals are more prone to problems with the unauthorized practice of law?

• paralegal managers

• government paralegals

• corporate paralegals

• legal technicians

• none of the above