Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

What was the main problem with the attorney's solicitation of former clients?

1. The attorney contacted individuals outside business hours

2. The attorney solicited legal business from persons who were not current clients

3. The attorney used personal data without permission

4. The attorney failed to provide adequate legal information

The correct answer is: The attorney solicited legal business from persons who were not current clients

The main issue with the attorney's solicitation of former clients lies in the fact that soliciting legal business from individuals who were not current clients can raise ethical concerns. Legal professionals are bound by specific ethical rules that govern how they can reach out to potential clients. These rules are typically designed to protect individuals from unwanted solicitations, which can be perceived as intrusive or exploitative. Soliciting former clients, especially if they are not actively seeking legal representation, can blur the line of professional boundaries and may violate advertising or solicitation rules set forth by state bar associations. In this context, the ethical implications of reaching out to individuals no longer engaged with the attorney can undermine the principles of respect and client autonomy that are crucial to the legal profession. Therefore, this option accurately identifies the primary ethical concern in the attorney’s conduct. Other options involve potential issues, like contacting clients outside of normal business hours or misusing personal data, but they do not directly encapsulate the central ethical breach of soliciting business from individuals who are not current clients.