Which of the following actions would likely violate Rule 8.4?

Which of the following actions would likely violate Rule 8.4?

• A. Providing pro bono legal services
• B. Filing motions on behalf of clients
• C. Engaging in dishonesty or criminal acts
• D. Offering discounted fees to clients

Answer: (C)

The action that is likely to violate Rule 8.4 is engaging in dishonesty or criminal acts. Rule 8.4 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct outlines the types of misconduct that attorneys must avoid, and it specifically prohibits lawyers from engaging in conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, deceitful, or that constitutes a criminal act that reflects adversely on their honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer. Engaging in such dishonest conduct undermines the integrity of the legal profession and can result in serious disciplinary actions, including disbarment. This rule is fundamental in maintaining public confidence in the legal system, as lawyers are held to high ethical standards. In contrast, providing pro bono services, filing motions on behalf of clients, and offering discounted fees are all practices that generally uphold the ethics and professionalism expected of lawyers in their dealings with clients and the community. These actions do not inherently implicate the ethical dilemmas addressed in Rule 8.4.

The action that is likely to violate Rule 8.4 is engaging in dishonesty or criminal acts. Rule 8.4 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct outlines the types of misconduct that attorneys must avoid, and it specifically prohibits lawyers from engaging in conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, deceitful, or that constitutes a criminal act that reflects adversely on their honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer.

Engaging in such dishonest conduct undermines the integrity of the legal profession and can result in serious disciplinary actions, including disbarment. This rule is fundamental in maintaining public confidence in the legal system, as lawyers are held to high ethical standards.

In contrast, providing pro bono services, filing motions on behalf of clients, and offering discounted fees are all practices that generally uphold the ethics and professionalism expected of lawyers in their dealings with clients and the community. These actions do not inherently implicate the ethical dilemmas addressed in Rule 8.4.