Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

During an ongoing lawsuit, what ethical responsibility does a corporate attorney have towards their clients?

1. To protect the interests of only the upper management.

2. To keep completely confidential any information obtained.

3. To disclose any irreconcilable interests amongst the employees involved.

4. To represent the corporation and its constituents' interests equally.

The correct answer is: To disclose any irreconcilable interests amongst the employees involved.

The ethical responsibility of a corporate attorney is to represent the corporation and its constituents' interests equally. This duty encompasses not only the interests of upper management but also those of other stakeholders within the corporation, including employees and shareholders. A corporate attorney must navigate conflicts of interest and ensure that all relevant parties are treated fairly in legal matters. This approach helps maintain trust and integrity in the attorney-client relationship and is aligned with the principles of corporate governance. Maintaining confidentiality of information obtained is indeed a critical responsibility; however, it must be balanced with the need to address and disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could arise. This is essential in safeguarding the interests of the corporation as a whole while supporting ethical considerations. Recognizing and disclosing irreconcilable interests among employees is important, but it does not encompass the entirety of a corporate attorney's responsibilities. Ethical practice requires a broader focus on representing the diverse interests that exist within the corporate context. Thus, the most comprehensive answer directly addresses the attorney’s obligation to uphold a balanced representation of all constituents, which underscores the holistic nature of their ethical duties.