LEGAL ETHICS (Canons 14-22)

1. Are lawyers compelled to accept cases?

a. Absolutely yes.
b. Yes, and they may choose based solely on the grounds of the sex, race,
creed or status of life or his opinion.
c. Absolutely no.
d. No, but refusal to accept case cannot be based solely on the
grounds of the sex, race, creed or status of life or his opinion.

2. In discovering the guilt of the client, what should his lawyer do?
a. He must still continue with defense of the client and use all fair
arguments arising on the evidence.
b. He must still continue with defense and alter evidences to make his client
look innocent.
c. He must still continue with defense and persuade his client to confess his
guilt in open court so that justice will be served.
d. He must withdraw from the case and tell the prosecution about his clients
confession.

3. You are talking to a prospective client, X, and he seems very eager to employ
your legal services. In the middle of his story, you start to realize that his
interest is averse to an existing client, Z , of yours. What should you do?
a. When X is done telling his story, carefully explain to him that you cannot
accept his case due to conflict of interest.
b. When X done telling his story, ask how much he is willing to pay for your
services if you are going to withdraw from Zs case and accept his case.
c. When X is done telling his story, accept his case right away.
d. When you realize the potential conflict of interest, immediately
tell X to stop disclosing further information and tell him honestly
that you cannot take his case due to conflict of interest.

4. You are talking to a prospective client, A, who confessed his guilt but in the
end, he did not hire you. The next day, B came to your office and when you
hear his story, you realize that the opposing party of this case is A, who came
to your office. You accept the case right away, remembering the details that A
told you. Confident to win Bs case, you promised to deliver him justice. Were
your actions ethically permissible according to the Canons of Professional
Responsibility?
a. No, because the lawyer is not an insurer of a case. He cannot promise to
deliver justice and win Bs case.
b. No, because the lawyer can never hold grudges to those who did not hire
them.
c. No, because attorney-client relationship already exists even
during consultation.
 d. No, because a lawyer cannot accept a case right away. He must examine if
the case is meritorious or not.
5. The opposing party offers a settlement price, and it is reasonable and higher
than what your client expected, can you, as your clients trusted lawyer,
immediately accept the offer knowing such offer may expire soon?
a. Yes, the client-attorney relationship is founded on loyalty and trust. The
lawyer is expected to make decisions beneficial to his client.
b. Yes, the lawyer controls the case, no matter how powerful and wealthy
your client may be.
c. No, the clients consent is required. Only the client may accept or
reject a settlement offer and his lawyer is bound to comply with
his lawful requests.
d. No, reject the offer and bargain for a higher settlement for the benefit of
your client.

6. Can a lawyer borrow money from his client?

a. Generally, yes. With certain exceptions.
b. Generally, no. With certain exceptions.
c. Absolutely, yes. No exceptions.
d. Absolutely, no. No exceptions.

7. Can a lawyer lend money to his client?

a. Yes, to take advantage of his legal superiority.
b. Yes, when in the interest of justice, to advance necessary
expenses in a legal matter he is handling for his client.
c. Yes, shoulder the expense and extend it by way of loan with the interest of
5% per month.
d. No, client should withdraw case is he does not have money.

8. What is a charging lien?

a. The right of the lawyer to request the court to annotate his claim
for attorneys fees in whatever recoveries made by the client
from the losing adversary.
b. The right of the lawyer to retain funds and documents of the client until he
is paid of attorneys fees.
c. The right of the lawyer to withhold his clients property (funds and
documents) that lawfully comes to his possession until payment of his
attorneys fees.
d. The right of the lawyer to use his clients funds that lawfully comes into
his possession for payment of his attorneys fees.

9. I. A lawyer is an agent of a client but in the interest of justice, a client is not

bound to the negligence of his counsel.
II. A lawyer is not an insurer of the results of the case. He can only do his
best, do what he could according to his knowledge, capacity and discretion.
a. Both statements are true
b. Only Statement A is true
c. Only statement B is true
d. None of the above.
10.What should you do, as your clients lawyer, knowing that the documents
presented in the court by your client were falsified?
a. Assist you client in concealing the truth from the court. This is a lawyers
duty to his client.
b. Advise your client to confess to the court and if he does not, report him to
the police.
c. Advise your client to rectify the fraud and if he refuses to do so, withdraw
as counsel and expose the fraud to the court.
d. Advise your client to rectify the fraud and if he refuses to do so,
withdraw as counsel and respect the clients secret.

11.Is there a presumption that a lawyer is entitled to attorneys fees?

a. Yes, because the legal profession is a noble profession and also a

business.
b. Yes, because lawyers undergo special training and has superior legal
knowledge.
c. Yes, because a client must make sure his lawyer will not betray his trust
and disclose his secrets.
d. Yes, because the client cannot unjustly enrich himself at the
expense of the lawyer, especially if the latter has already
rendered valuable legal services.

12.Generally, how should the attorneys fees be determined when there is no

express contract or no agreement for the same?
a. It should not exceed to 10% of the amount of damages claimed or wages
recovered
b. As much as he deserves, or quantum meruit
c. It depends on how much the lawyer demands from the client for his legal
services
d. It depends on how much the lawyer wants to pay his lawyer

13.NBI agents went to your law firm, presented a subpoena and demanded for
Client As files because they are conducting an investigation. A is in America
for vacation. What should you do, as As lawyer?
a. Cooperate with the government authorities and help them fulfill their
duties
b. It is the duty of the lawyer to assist NBI in their investigation, for the
administration of justice
c. Call the client and ask for his permission and comply with NBIs demand if
your client agrees.
 d. Secure the clients written consent before giving information to
the NBI.

14.What is the primary duty of a lawyer who has been discharged or withdrew
from a case?

a. To inform the court of such replacement and cut ties with your client
entirely
b. To inform the court and adverse party, and ask that he be allowed
to withdraw as counsel. He shall immediately turn over all papers
and property to which the client is entitled.
c. To conceal important document of your client that you may use against
him in the future
d. All of the above

15.What is the primary duty of the lawyer upon the death of the client?
a. Insist to the heirs that he should be their lawyer because you are very
close to their family
b. Immediately inform the court of such event and to give the name
and residents of the clients executor, administrator, guardian, or
other legal representatives.
c. None of the above.
d. All of the above.