What is the primary duty of a lawyer acting as an advisor under Rule 2.1?

What is the primary duty of a lawyer acting as an advisor under Rule 2.1?

• A. Exercise independent professional judgment and provide candid advice
• B. Follow the client's instructions even if unethical
• C. Provide only legal risk analysis without judgment
• D. Limit advice to legal interpretations only

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that when a lawyer acts as an advisor, they must exercise independent professional judgment and render candid advice. This means evaluating the options, risks, and consequences, and being frank with the client about what the law allows and what it doesn’t, even if the client doesn’t want to hear it. That’s why the best choice is the one that combines independent judgment with honest, straightforward guidance. Following the client’s instructions even if unethical ignores the duty to avoid assisting illegal or unethical conduct. Providing only legal risk analysis without judgment misses the obliged broader responsibility to consider and communicate practical and ethical implications. Limiting advice to legal interpretations only likewise fails to address non-legal factors that a lawyer must weigh and discuss when advising a client.

The main idea is that when a lawyer acts as an advisor, they must exercise independent professional judgment and render candid advice. This means evaluating the options, risks, and consequences, and being frank with the client about what the law allows and what it doesn’t, even if the client doesn’t want to hear it. That’s why the best choice is the one that combines independent judgment with honest, straightforward guidance.

Following the client’s instructions even if unethical ignores the duty to avoid assisting illegal or unethical conduct. Providing only legal risk analysis without judgment misses the obliged broader responsibility to consider and communicate practical and ethical implications. Limiting advice to legal interpretations only likewise fails to address non-legal factors that a lawyer must weigh and discuss when advising a client.