Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam Practice Question
An attorney represents a company seeking a critical permit from a city official. The client proposes hosting a major fundraiser for that official, referencing the attorney’s involvement, as an incentive for quicker processing. The attorney is asked whether this plan is permissible. Which choice aligns best with professional responsibilities?
The attorney can support the client’s plan if the official explicitly states that the fundraising will not impact the permit.
The attorney should encourage the fundraiser but refuse involvement.
The attorney can allow the fundraiser if it is publicized in a transparent manner, without confidential details related to the permit.
The attorney should refuse involvement in a fundraiser that ties a contribution to favorable action by the official.
Professional rules prohibit efforts that attach a government official’s favorable action to monetary or fundraising benefits. The best option acknowledges that a lawyer is obligated to avoid giving or facilitating gifts suggesting a quid pro quo or creating an appearance of impropriety. By declining to be part of a proposal that uses financial contributions to sway an official, the lawyer respects the ethical limits on influencing government authority. Other answers excuse or justify the fundraiser, overlooking the prohibition on exchanging financial favors for official decisions.
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Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam
Lawyers’ duties to the public and the legal system