Under Model Rules, when you learn of misconduct within an organization, what is the proper course of action?

Under Model Rules, when you learn of misconduct within an organization, what is the proper course of action?

• A. Inform the organization's higher authority and then outside
• B. Inform outside authorities directly
• C. Do nothing
• D. Resign

Answer: (A)

When you learn of misconduct inside an organization, you should first raise it through the organization’s internal channels by informing a higher authority who can address and correct the problem. This gives the organization a chance to fix the issue and protects clients and the public by allowing internal remediation. If the matter isn’t resolved, or if it involves the organization’s leadership or itself, you then report to the appropriate outside professional authority (like the state bar). Skipping internal steps or acting only outside, or doing nothing or resigning, doesn’t align with the duty to address known misconduct and seek proper resolution first.

When you learn of misconduct inside an organization, you should first raise it through the organization’s internal channels by informing a higher authority who can address and correct the problem. This gives the organization a chance to fix the issue and protects clients and the public by allowing internal remediation. If the matter isn’t resolved, or if it involves the organization’s leadership or itself, you then report to the appropriate outside professional authority (like the state bar). Skipping internal steps or acting only outside, or doing nothing or resigning, doesn’t align with the duty to address known misconduct and seek proper resolution first.