Paper details and links provided in document
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
• attempt to answer all 5 questions in Part 1
• Use the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct and the Ethics Opinions section of the
State Bar Association website to analyze the fact patterns below and respond to the
questions.
• Be sure to cite to specific portions of the Rules of Professional Conduct and specific Ethics Opinions, where they apply.
• You may use any online resources to complete this assignment. If you use AI tools, be sure to cross reference with other sources, including the Rules and Ethics Opinions themselves, which you will need to cite.
PART 1
1. Attorney Alice represents Bob in a divorce case. After the case concludes, Bob posts a negative review on Alice’s public Facebook page, accusing her of incompetence and revealing confidential details about their strategy. Alice wants to respond to defend her reputation. Should she, and if so, how can she do so ethically?
2. Lawyer Lisa sends an electronic document to opposing counsel Charlie in a contract negotiation. The document contains hidden metadata with confidential client information. Meanwhile, Lisa also uses email tracking software without Charlie’s knowledge to monitor when he opens her emails. Are Lisa’s actions ethical? What should Charlie do if he discovers the metadata?
3. Criminal defense attorney David hires a social worker to assist in a case involving his client, Frank, who is accused of child neglect. During their work, the social worker learns information that might trigger mandatory reporting requirements under state law. What ethical obligations does David have in this situation?
4. Bankruptcy attorney Emma is considering using a fee-financing arrangement where a lender will retain a portion of her fees. She has a potential client, Gary, who can’t afford to pay her upfront. What ethical considerations should Emma keep in mind when discussing this arrangement with Gary? What disclosures must she make to the bankruptcy court?
5. Attorney Henry is representing Irene in a complex civil litigation case. Midway through the case, Irene stops paying Henry’s invoices and becomes unresponsive. Henry decides to withdraw from the representation. What are Henry’s ethical obligations regarding withdrawal, ongoing court dates, and handling of Irene’s client file? What can Henry ethically disclose to the court about his reasons for withdrawal?
PART 2
• choose one person or a religion from the Week 1 assignment on ethical perspectives and analyze how this perspective on ethics is similar and different from the Rules of Professional Conduct when it comes to the duty of confidentiality and the tension that can arise between keeping information confidential even when the attorney knows that doing so may cause harm or allow someone to escape civil or criminal liability.
• Write up your respective analyses
• What do you personally believe should be the answer to the 5 questions above? Are there any places where the Rules of Professional Conduct lead to a result that you find to be immoral?
When preparing written work, you should apply the following rules:
1. Use short sentences. Avoid unnecessarily complex sentence structures.
2. Use active voice when possible and appropriate.
3. Use plain, simple language. Strive for clarity of thought and expression.
4. Use short paragraphs – typically no more than five sentences
https://www.azbar.org/for-legal-professionals/ethics/rules-of-professional-conduct/
https://www.azbar.org/for-legal-professionals/ethics/ethics-opinions/
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/