Deck 1: Ethics and Real Property Practice

Question 1

To act ____________ means that an attorney not only must have the necessary legal skill but also must devote adequate time and thorough preparation to a client matter.

Answer 1

competently

Question 2

A routine real estate closing may be handled on:

A) a fat fee or hourly fee, but not a contingency fee.
B) a fat fee or contingency fee, but not an hourly fee.
C) an hourly fee or contingency fee, but not a fat fee

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The tactic whereby an attorney or paralegal is isolated from all contacts with a client's case is called a ____________.

Answer 3

Chinese Wall

Question 4

A ____________ is a method of keeping track of priorities and deadlines.

Question 5

What tasks or responsibilities may a paralegal perform under the supervision of an attorney?

Question 6

What steps should be taken after the initial client conference if
(a) the client decides to hire your firm,
(b)the client is undecided about whether or not to proceed, or
(c)the client declines representation?

Question 7

In a contingency fee matter, a client pays for costs incurred on behalf of the client, whether or not the client wins the case.

Question 8

The following must be deposited in a client trust account:

A) deposit money and retainer fees.
B) closing proceeds
C) both a and b

Question 9

The unauthorized practice of law includes:

A) negotiating settlements and conducting client interviews.
B) making strategy decisions in client matters and setting fees.
C) accepting cases and assisting at depositions

Question 10

The professional code of ethics treats the entire body of attorneys in a firm as one for conflict of interest purposes.

Question 11

Paralegals are permitted to draft and sign letters to clients confirming the client's decision to decline representation.

Question 12

Retainer amounts may be put toward fees, costs, or both.

Question 13

Confidentiality is a rule of evidence law that prevents a court from compelling the revelation of communications between attorney and client.

Question 14

What conduct or practices constitute engaging in the unauthorized practice of law?

Question 15

What is meant by the term conflict of interest? Define the term, and provide an example.

Question 16

The American Bar Association's Model Code of Professional Responsibility and the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct are, together, commonly referred to as ____________.

Question 17

Each client project is assigned its own ____________.

Question 18

Most real estate litigation is billed:

A) on a flat fee.
B) at hourly rates.
C) on a contingency fee.

Question 19

Provide three examples of problematic situations that may confront a real estate attorney.

Question 20

The client is the individual or entity:

A) who hires the attorney.
B) paying the legal fees.
C) requiring the legal representation.