Which PR principle addresses breach of contract or fiduciary duties by a lawyer?

Which PR principle addresses breach of contract or fiduciary duties by a lawyer?

• A. Candor
• B. Malpractice
• C. Frivolous Claims
• D. Impartiality

Answer: (B)

The concept in play is professional responsibility for attorneys and what happens when a lawyer fails to meet duties owed to a client. Malpractice is the label for that kind of breach. Legal malpractice covers negligent failures to perform the agreed-upon services that fall below the standard of care, as well as breaches of fiduciary duties and contractual obligations a lawyer owes to a client. When a lawyer misses a filing deadline, mishandles client funds, or breaches confidentiality, these illustrate malpractice because they show a failure to act in the client’s best interests and to uphold professional duties. Because malpractice directly addresses breaches of both contractual commitments and fiduciary obligations, it is the best answer. Other options pertain to honesty with the court (candor), sanctions for frivolous claims, or fairness to the tribunal and clients, but they do not centrally capture those specific breaches.

The concept in play is professional responsibility for attorneys and what happens when a lawyer fails to meet duties owed to a client. Malpractice is the label for that kind of breach. Legal malpractice covers negligent failures to perform the agreed-upon services that fall below the standard of care, as well as breaches of fiduciary duties and contractual obligations a lawyer owes to a client. When a lawyer misses a filing deadline, mishandles client funds, or breaches confidentiality, these illustrate malpractice because they show a failure to act in the client’s best interests and to uphold professional duties. Because malpractice directly addresses breaches of both contractual commitments and fiduciary obligations, it is the best answer. Other options pertain to honesty with the court (candor), sanctions for frivolous claims, or fairness to the tribunal and clients, but they do not centrally capture those specific breaches.