Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam Practice Question
An attorney wanted to be hired as general counsel by a new city commission. The attorney contributed a sizable amount to campaigns of several commissioners and then mentioned that fact during an interview, suggesting past financial support demonstrated commitment to the municipality’s needs. Did the attorney act properly?
The attorney violated the rule prohibiting contributions presented in a way that appears designed to secure a public appointment.
The attorney’s approach is acceptable if the commissioners do not mention concerns about improper influence.
The attorney’s approach is acceptable if the money was donated in good faith to support municipal campaigns.
The attorney’s approach is acceptable because there was no formal requirement to avoid referencing political support.
Making or soliciting contributions with an intent to influence government appointments goes against the rule. A lawyer’s free speech rights include donating to campaigns, but highlighting those contributions during a hiring process for a government engagement signals a pay-to-play approach. Conduct is deemed improper when it strongly suggests connecting personal donations to potential job appointments. Other answers are incorrect because they fail to recognize that referencing contributions in the selection process risks undermining the principle of merit-based government hiring.
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What are the rules regarding attorney contributions to political campaigns?
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What is the concept of 'pay-to-play' in the context of legal ethics?
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What could be the repercussions for an attorney who violates these ethical rules?
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Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam
Lawyers’ duties to the public and the legal system