Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

In the divorce custody case, why is the attorney’s adherence to the client’s instruction significant?

1. It shows a lack of professionalism

2. It stresses the importance of client autonomy

3. It highlights potential conflicts of interest

4. It indicates disregard for legal strategy

The correct answer is: It stresses the importance of client autonomy

The significance of an attorney’s adherence to a client’s instruction lies in the emphasis on client autonomy. In legal representation, it is paramount that clients retain control over their decisions, especially in sensitive matters such as divorce custody cases, where personal and emotional factors are at play. The attorney's role is to guide and advise the client, but ultimately, the client has the right to make choices about their case. This respect for client autonomy fosters a trusting attorney-client relationship and ensures that the client feels empowered and involved in the legal process. By prioritizing the client's instructions, the attorney affirms the client’s right to dictate the course of their legal affairs. This principle is rooted in legal ethics, which stress that clients should have agency in matters affecting their lives, especially regarding custody, where the implications can be profound and long-lasting. Therefore, when an attorney adheres to the client's instructions, it not only illustrates professionalism but also reinforces the fundamental tenet of client autonomy in the legal system.