Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam Practice Question
During settlement negotiations in a breach-of-contract lawsuit, an attorney representing the plaintiff makes two separate statements to defense counsel:
"My client will not settle this case for less than $100,000," even though the client has already authorized the attorney to accept $75,000.
"We have retained an expert whose draft report states that the defendant's product was defective," even though the attorney has not hired any expert and no such report exists.
Under the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which of these statements, if any, violates the attorney's duty of truthfulness in statements to others?
Neither statement violates the duty of truthfulness.
Only the second statement violates the duty of truthfulness.
Only the first statement violates the duty of truthfulness.
Model Rule 4.1 prohibits knowingly making a false statement of material fact to a third person. In negotiations, statements about a party's willingness to compromise or its bargaining position are generally treated as permissible "puffery" and are not material facts. Therefore, the first statement-overstating the client's bottom-line demand-is typically allowed. The second statement invents an expert and a report that do not exist; that is a knowing misrepresentation of a material fact and violates Rule 4.1. Consequently, only the second statement breaches the rule. The other answer options are incorrect because they either treat permissible puffery as misconduct or fail to recognize the fabrication of evidence as impermissible.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
Why is 'puffery' generally permissible during negotiations under the ABA Model Rules?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What distinguishes a 'material fact' from other types of information under ABA Model Rule 4.1?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Are there other examples of false statements that could violate Rule 4.1 during negotiations?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam
Transactions and communications with persons other than clients
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Pass with Confidence.
Bar Prep Package
You have hit the limits of our free tier, become a Premium Member today for unlimited access.
Military, Healthcare worker, Gov. employee or Teacher? See if you qualify for a Community Discount.
3 Month Pass
$299.99
$99.99/mo
One time purchase of $299.99, Does not auto-renew.
BEST DEAL
Lifetime Pass
$399.99
One time purchase, Good for life.
What You Get
All Bar Prep Package plans include the following perks and exams .