Which PR principle requires knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation, and may be satisfied by associating with another lawyer?

Which PR principle requires knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation, and may be satisfied by associating with another lawyer?

• A. Knowledge, Skill, Thoroughness, and Preparation; may be satisfied by associating with another
• B. Knowledge only
• C. By suppression of skill
• D. The client decides

Answer: (A)

Competence in practicing law means more than just knowing the rules; it requires knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation to represent a client effectively. If a lawyer doesn’t have all the necessary expertise, the obligation can still be met by associating with another lawyer who has the relevant knowledge and skill. This teamwork ensures the representation is competent, drawing on the strengths of both lawyers to handle the matter properly. Knowledge alone isn’t enough, since skill, thoroughness, and preparation matter as well. Suppressing skill would be unethical, and the client doesn’t decide the lawyer’s duty to be competent—the lawyer must meet the standard regardless of the client’s wishes.

Competence in practicing law means more than just knowing the rules; it requires knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation to represent a client effectively. If a lawyer doesn’t have all the necessary expertise, the obligation can still be met by associating with another lawyer who has the relevant knowledge and skill. This teamwork ensures the representation is competent, drawing on the strengths of both lawyers to handle the matter properly.

Knowledge alone isn’t enough, since skill, thoroughness, and preparation matter as well. Suppressing skill would be unethical, and the client doesn’t decide the lawyer’s duty to be competent—the lawyer must meet the standard regardless of the client’s wishes.