Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

In her communication with Testratix, what is the ethical consideration for Attorney?

1. She could be seen soliciting former clients

2. She must avoid contacting former clients entirely

3. She is permitted to provide information on new regulations

4. She cannot advise clients without written consent

The correct answer is: She is permitted to provide information on new regulations

The correct choice highlights Attorney's ability to provide information on new regulations, which aligns with the role of a legal professional in keeping clients informed about relevant changes in the law that may affect them. In many jurisdictions, lawyers have an ethical duty to communicate important information that could impact their clients or former clients. Providing updates on new regulations can facilitate compliance and ensure that clients are aware of their rights and responsibilities. The notion of soliciting former clients typically relates to the inappropriate approach of seeking business from individuals who may not want to engage with the attorney anymore. However, actively sharing neutral information about new regulations is not considered soliciting, particularly if done in a manner that is informational rather than promotional. Avoiding contact with former clients entirely could hinder the attorney's ethical obligation to keep past clients updated on matters that may affect them. It's important to recognize that maintaining communication, provided it is done responsibly and ethically, is a significant part of a legal professional’s duties. While advising clients generally requires written consent to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional conduct rules, in the context of providing general information about regulations, such consent is typically unnecessary unless specific legal advice is being given on an individual case circumstance. Thus, the ability to inform clients without crossing ethical boundaries is a key point