Chapter Three: Ethics and Malpractice

Question 1

ethical rule

Answer 1

A minimal standard of conduct.

Question 2

Model Code of Professional
Responsibility/Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Answer 2

Self-imposed ethical standards for ABA members, but they also serve as a prototype of legal ethics standards for state court systems.

Question 3

legal technicians

Answer 3

People who market their legal services directly to the public

Question 4

client confidentiality

Answer 4

Keeping information exchanged between a client and law office staff confidential.

Question 5

attorney–client privilege

Answer 5

A standard that precludes the disclosure of confidential communications between a lawyer and a client by the lawyer.

Question 6

conflict of interest

Answer 6

A competing personal or professional interest that would preclude an attorney or a paralegal from acting impartially toward the client

Question 7

Ethical Wall

Answer 7

Term for a technique used to isolate the paralegal or attorney with a conflict of interest from having anything to do with a case.

Question 8

legal malpractice

Answer 8

Possible consequence when an attorney’s or a law office’s conduct falls below the standard skill, prudence, and diligence that an ordinary lawyer would possess or that is commonly available in the legal community.