Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

If a corporate attorney discovers a serious violation of law by an employee, what action should they take if internal reporting is ignored?

1. Reveal the violation to external authorities without hesitation.

2. Continue to pursue internal remedies within the organization.

3. Maintain confidentiality and proceed without action.

4. Seek legal advice outside the organization.

The correct answer is: Reveal the violation to external authorities without hesitation.

In a situation where a corporate attorney discovers a serious violation of law by an employee and internal reporting has been ignored, the most appropriate course of action is to seek legal advice outside the organization. This option underlines the importance of ensuring compliance with the law while considering the attorney's obligation to uphold ethical standards and protocols. Seeking external legal advice provides the attorney with guidance on how to handle the situation, taking into account legal protections such as whistleblower laws, the possibility of reporting the violation to relevant authorities, and the risks associated with potential retaliation. Such actions are crucial in ensuring that the attorney is acting within legal frameworks and protecting both the organization's integrity and their personal liability. Maintaining confidentiality and proceeding without action could lead to further legal ramifications for both the attorney and the organization, particularly if the violation poses significant risks to public safety or involves criminal activity. It is critical to act in the interest of the law and ethical practice, which is why seeking external legal counsel is a prudent and necessary step when internal mechanisms fail.