Question: 1. Joe has recently been admitted to the bar. Attorney Dan hires Joe as an Associate to supervise the work of Sally, the paralegal who

1. Joe has recently been admitted to the bar. Attorney Dan hires Joe as an Associate to supervise the work of Sally, the paralegal who has handled title searches in Dan's office for the last 10 years. Joe is to review Sally's searches for accuracy, to handle any legal questions that might arise, and to sign off in Dan's name once the title searches are accurate.

Which of the following is true:

  1. It is proper for Joe to assume these responsibilities because he is an attorney, and Sally is highly experienced in title searches.
  2. It is improper for Attorney Dan to assign this role to Joe unless it will significantly lower his client's fees for title certification.
  3. It is improper for Joe to assume these responsibilities as he may not sign documents using Dan's name.
  4. It is proper for Joe to assume these responsibilities because Attorney Dan is ultimately liable for the accuracy of the title searches.

2. Rebecca is serving as Defense Counsel to Mr. Smith, who has been indicted for burglary. During an interview, Mr. Smith told Rebecca that he had perjured himself at his grand jury indictment before consulting with her.

Under which of the following conditions would Rebecca be subject to disciplinary charges:

  1. She continues to represent Mr. Smith.
  2. She does not inform the authorities of the perjury.
  3. She informs the authorities of the perjury.
  4. She informs Mr. Smith that she will be unable to represent him.

3. Jim Bobb, Esq. accepted a $90,000 settlement offer on behalf of his client, Betty Lew. The payment is to be split equally by the co-defendants,Dave's Texas Red HotsandRoot-Tootin' Root Beer. Jim Bobb's fee agreement entitles his firm to 30% of the settlement, or $27,000. His office receives a $45,000 check fromDave's Texas Red Hotsand promptly deposits it into his Client Trust Account. He informs Betty Lew of receipt and deposit of the funds, and also informs her of certified confirmation fromRoot-Tootin' Root Beerthat their payment will be delivered within 14 days. Betty Lew demands that Jim Bobb send her the entire amount received from Dave's, and to take his fee from the remaining funds when they arrive fromRoot Tootin' Root Beer.

Of the following actions, which could Jim Bobb properly undertake:

  1. Send Betty Lew the demanded $45,000.
  2. Send Betty Lew $31,500 and hold $13,500 in the Client's Trust Account
  3. Send Betty Lew $31,500 and transfer $13,500 to his personal account.
  4. 1, only
  5. 1 and 2, but not 3
  6. 1 and 3, but not 2
  7. 1, 2 and 3

4. After retaining Jeremiah Jenkins as legal counsel, Bill, indicted for grand larceny, fled the state to save himself from trial and possible conviction. After investigating the facts Bill provided, and conducting exhaustive legal research, Jeremiah determines that the indictment is defective on its face, and reasonably believes that the case should be dismissed as a matter of law. Jeremiah has no idea where the client is hiding, so when Bill finally calls the office, Jeremiah informs him of his legal opinions and urges him to surrender immediately. Bill refuses to turn himself in, and instead, begs Jeremiah to tell him how to avoid being apprehended. After the conversation, Jeremiah informs the DA's office that he is representing Bill, that he has advised Bill to go to the police, and that Bill refuses to follow his advice.

Is Jeremiah subject to discipline if he continues to represent Bill?

  1. Yes, because Bill is engaged in continuing illegal conduct.
  2. Yes, because Bill refused to accept Jeremiah's advice and surrender.
  3. No, because Jeremiah is not counseling Bill to avoid being arrested.
  4. No, because Jeremiah reasonably believes the indictment is defective.

5. Brenda Backbiter hires Frank Forthright to file a defamation suit against her ex-best friend, Sally Sensitive, and to "spare no expense" in winning. After Sally's attorney has filed the answer to the complaint, Brenda instructs Frank to have a private detective assigned to case. Frank hires "Pink Pete's Licensed Investigative Services, Inc." Pete is paid to strike up a conversation with Sally at a local bar without letting her know that he has been hired by Forthright's firm. Sally consumes a large amount of alcohol, complements of Pete's expense account, and admits that the defamatory statements were untrue and completely unfounded.

In obtaining the admission from Sally, has Frank Forthright acted unethically?

  1. No, because he was following the instructions of his client.
  2. No, because Pete was a licensed investigator.
  3. Yes, because Pete took advantage of Sally while under the influence of alcohol.
  4. Yes, because Frank instructed Pete to interview Sally.

Section Three

10 points

Directions:Using your knowledge of valid contract formation, use the information in the following scenarios to determine whether there is a valid contract, and if so, identify the offer, the acceptance, and the consideration for each:

1. You have visited a neighbor's garage sale, and have asked the neighbor to put aside a television because you want to buy it. The neighbor agrees and puts aside the television.

2. You want to sell an undeveloped piece of swampland that you have inherited. While talking on the telephone with a friend, he agrees to buy the land for $450.00.

3. You have decided to purchase a pet horse. You agree on a price and the seller writes out a bill of sale and signs it.

4. Your son has been in college and has a large balance on his credit card that was used for school supplies, books, and tuition. You want to help him out since he has done very well in school. You write a letter to the credit card company stating that you will be paying the bill in the future. The credit card company agrees.

5. You have ordered a black sweater from an Internet source, but received a pink one instead. The website states that there are no returns or exchanges accepted.

6. You have purchased a super-sonic vacuum cleaner from a company who advertises that "your money will be refunded if not satisfied." The vacuum does not perform well, and when you call to get a refund, the company refuses. You remind the company that the ad states that your money will be refunded if not satisfied, and the company tells you that is correct, but they are satisfied, so there will be no refund!

7. You have received an advertisement in the mail from a major appliance store, for the sale of a stereo system for $200.00 if you purchase it by February 1st.

8. You have agreed to watch your neighbor's home while he is away on vacation. Your neighbor often watches your home while you are away and promises to watch your home the next time that you leave town.

9. You have been harassed by an ex-partner who will not leave you alone. In desperation, you have agreed to pay another friend $50.00 plus mileage to go to the home of the ex-partner and threaten bodily harm.

10. While it is unethical for an attorney to share fees with a paralegal, your supervising attorney has proposed to pay you a percentage of the firm's gross income based on the number of hours you have billed and clients that you have referred to the firm. You agree.

Section Four

10 points

Complete Exercise 10 in the Workbook.

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Section One Legal and Ethical Issues Joes Responsibilities and Signing in Dans Name Answer It is improper for Joe to assume these responsibilities as he may not sign documents using Dans name Reasonin... View full answer

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