Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

What practice should an attorney avoid when representing a client in litigation?

1. Acting based on the client's emotional decisions

2. Engaging in settlement discussions against the client's wishes

3. Withholding true intentions from the court

4. Disregarding evident falsehoods presented by the client

The correct answer is: Disregarding evident falsehoods presented by the client

Withholding true intentions from the court constitutes a serious breach of professional ethics and can lead to significant legal consequences for both the attorney and the client. Attorneys have a duty to uphold the principles of honesty and integrity, which includes not misleading the court or engaging in any form of dishonest conduct. This is vital not only for maintaining the trust of the legal system but also for ensuring that justice is served. By choosing to disregard evident falsehoods presented by a client, an attorney risks compromising their own credibility and jeopardizing the integrity of the legal proceedings. The legal profession is bound by rules that require attorneys to act with candor towards the court, meaning they must not knowingly present false evidence or testimony. This principle is grounded in the belief that the legal system relies on truth and transparency to function effectively, and any acts of dishonesty undermine that foundation. In contrast, the other practices listed might present ethical dilemmas but do not inherently involve the same level of misconduct as disregarding falsehoods. For instance, while acting based on a client's emotional decisions could lead to suboptimal legal strategies, it does not fundamentally breach ethical obligations like withholding the truth from the court. Engaging in settlement discussions contrary to the client’s wishes can raise ethical questions regarding the