HLS-LAW-204 PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM GUIDE 2026 Q&A
1. Attorney Alpha currently represents Builder, a building contractor
and the plaintiff in a suit to recover for breach of a contract to build a
house. Builder also has pending before the zoning commission a
petition to rezone property Builder owns. Builder is represented by
Attorney Beta in the zoning matter. Neighbor, who owns property
adjoining Builder's property, has asked Alpha to represent Neighbor
in opposing Builder's petition for rezoning. Neighbor knows that
Alpha represents Builder in the contract action. Is it proper for Alpha
to represent Neighbor in the zoning matter?
A. Yes, if there is no common issue of law or fact between the two
matters.
B. Yes, because one matter is a judicial proceeding and the other is an
administrative proceeding.
C. No, because Alpha is currently representing Builder in the contract
action.
D. No, if there is a possibility that both matters will be appealed to the
same court.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: This is a concurrent conflict of interest under Model
Rule 1.7. Alpha cannot represent Neighbor against a current client
(Builder) in a matter unless the representation is not directly
adverse and there is no significant risk that representing Neighbor
will materially limit Alpha's responsibility to Builder. Representing
Neighbor to oppose Builder's rezoning petition is directly adverse to
Builder, a current client, regardless of whether the matters are
related.
2. Client carried automobile liability insurance with Insco, an insurance
company. Client, while driving his car, was involved in a collision with
Driver. Driver filed suit against Client. Pursuant to the contractual
, provision that it would furnish a lawyer to defend its insured, Insco
employed Attorney to handle Client's case. Attorney found evidence
that Client had intentionally run into Driver. Intentional torts are
excluded from coverage under Client's policy with Insco. If Client
intentionally ran into Driver, Insco has a "no coverage" defense to all
claims against Insco by Driver and by Client. Attorney must:
A. inform Insco of the evidence that raises the possibility of "no
coverage"
B. withdraw as lawyer for Client and represent Insco in an action
against Client for a declaration of "no coverage."
C. not inform either Insco or the court of the possible "no coverage"
defense without Client's consent
D. inform the court, but not Insco, of the possible "no coverage"
defense.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Under Model Rule 1.6, Attorney must maintain Client's
confidentiality. The evidence of intentional conduct is confidential
information belonging to Client. Attorney cannot disclose this to
Insco or the court without Client's consent. Attorney owes primary
loyalty to the insured Client, not the insurance company.
3. Even though the Schlesinger law firm in Nissan Motor Corporation v.
Orozco had hired Paul Buechele, whose prior firm had represented
the defendant in the same case, it was not disqualified from
representing the plaintiff because:
A. The court believed Buechele's affidavit that he had not discussed
any aspects of the case at his prior firm other than taking routine
depositions to obtain hospital records.
B. After joining the Schlesinger firm, Buechele was screened from any
participation in the Orozco case.
C. Because the Schlesinger firm fired Buechele after the
disqualification motion was filed.
D. All of the above.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Under Model Rule 1.10, a firm may avoid
disqualification when a lawyer joins from a firm that represented
an adverse party if the newly hired lawyer is screened from
, participation in the matter and receives no fee from it. Screening is
the key mechanism that prevents imputation of conflicts.
4. This question refers to the Baby Jessica case. John Monroe, who
handled the adoption in Iowa, made the following decision that was
consistent with the Model Rules:
A. To withdraw when it appeared that he would be a witness.
B. To advise Cara to seek independent legal advice before signing the
adoption paperwork in the hospital.
C. To preserve as confidential Cara's statement to him about the
identity of the real father.
D. All of the above.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: All three actions are consistent with the Model Rules.
Rule 3.7 requires withdrawal when a lawyer will be a witness. Rule
1.8 requires advising clients to seek independent counsel in certain
transactions. Rule 1.6 requires maintaining client confidentiality.
5. A lawyer represents a corporation in a merger transaction. During the
representation, the lawyer discovers that the corporation's CEO has
been embezzling funds. The lawyer reports this to the corporation's
board of directors but not to external authorities. The CEO is fired,
and the corporation sues the lawyer for breach of confidentiality. Is
the lawyer subject to discipline?
A. Yes, because the lawyer disclosed confidential information without
the corporation's consent.
B. Yes, because the lawyer should have reported the embezzlement to
authorities immediately.
C. No, because the lawyer acted in the best interests of the
corporation as the client.
D. No, because the disclosure was to the corporation's board, which is
the client's authorized representative.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Under Model Rule 1.13, when a lawyer represents an
, organization, the client is the organization itself, not its officers or
employees. Disclosure to the board of directors (the organization's
authorized representative) is not a breach of confidentiality under
Rule 1.6.
6. Attorney represents Client in a personal injury case. Attorney sends
Client a fee agreement stating that Attorney will charge a 33%
contingency fee. Client signs the agreement without reading it
thoroughly. At the conclusion of the case, Attorney collects $300,000
and keeps $100,000 as fees. Client claims Attorney should have
explained the fee agreement more thoroughly. Is Attorney subject to
discipline?
A. Yes, because Attorney failed to explain the fee agreement in detail.
B. Yes, because contingency fees must be in writing and signed by
both parties.
C. No, because Client signed the agreement and had the opportunity
to read it.
D. No, because the fee is reasonable and the agreement complies with
Rule 1.5.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Under Model Rule 1.5(b), the basis or rate of the fee
should be communicated to the client, preferably in writing. The
agreement was in writing and signed. The 33% contingency fee is
within the reasonable range for personal injury cases. Attorney is
not required to ensure the client reads the entire document.
7. A lawyer is representing a criminal defendant in a murder trial. The
defendant tells the lawyer that he actually committed the crime but
wants to testify that he was elsewhere. What should the lawyer do?
A. Allow the defendant to testify as planned because the client has the
right to testify.
B. Refuse to allow the defendant to testify and move to withdraw.
C. Inform the court that the defendant will commit perjury.
D. Disclose the defendant's confession to the prosecutor.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM GUIDE 2026 Q&A
1. Attorney Alpha currently represents Builder, a building contractor
and the plaintiff in a suit to recover for breach of a contract to build a
house. Builder also has pending before the zoning commission a
petition to rezone property Builder owns. Builder is represented by
Attorney Beta in the zoning matter. Neighbor, who owns property
adjoining Builder's property, has asked Alpha to represent Neighbor
in opposing Builder's petition for rezoning. Neighbor knows that
Alpha represents Builder in the contract action. Is it proper for Alpha
to represent Neighbor in the zoning matter?
A. Yes, if there is no common issue of law or fact between the two
matters.
B. Yes, because one matter is a judicial proceeding and the other is an
administrative proceeding.
C. No, because Alpha is currently representing Builder in the contract
action.
D. No, if there is a possibility that both matters will be appealed to the
same court.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: This is a concurrent conflict of interest under Model
Rule 1.7. Alpha cannot represent Neighbor against a current client
(Builder) in a matter unless the representation is not directly
adverse and there is no significant risk that representing Neighbor
will materially limit Alpha's responsibility to Builder. Representing
Neighbor to oppose Builder's rezoning petition is directly adverse to
Builder, a current client, regardless of whether the matters are
related.
2. Client carried automobile liability insurance with Insco, an insurance
company. Client, while driving his car, was involved in a collision with
Driver. Driver filed suit against Client. Pursuant to the contractual
, provision that it would furnish a lawyer to defend its insured, Insco
employed Attorney to handle Client's case. Attorney found evidence
that Client had intentionally run into Driver. Intentional torts are
excluded from coverage under Client's policy with Insco. If Client
intentionally ran into Driver, Insco has a "no coverage" defense to all
claims against Insco by Driver and by Client. Attorney must:
A. inform Insco of the evidence that raises the possibility of "no
coverage"
B. withdraw as lawyer for Client and represent Insco in an action
against Client for a declaration of "no coverage."
C. not inform either Insco or the court of the possible "no coverage"
defense without Client's consent
D. inform the court, but not Insco, of the possible "no coverage"
defense.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Under Model Rule 1.6, Attorney must maintain Client's
confidentiality. The evidence of intentional conduct is confidential
information belonging to Client. Attorney cannot disclose this to
Insco or the court without Client's consent. Attorney owes primary
loyalty to the insured Client, not the insurance company.
3. Even though the Schlesinger law firm in Nissan Motor Corporation v.
Orozco had hired Paul Buechele, whose prior firm had represented
the defendant in the same case, it was not disqualified from
representing the plaintiff because:
A. The court believed Buechele's affidavit that he had not discussed
any aspects of the case at his prior firm other than taking routine
depositions to obtain hospital records.
B. After joining the Schlesinger firm, Buechele was screened from any
participation in the Orozco case.
C. Because the Schlesinger firm fired Buechele after the
disqualification motion was filed.
D. All of the above.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Under Model Rule 1.10, a firm may avoid
disqualification when a lawyer joins from a firm that represented
an adverse party if the newly hired lawyer is screened from
, participation in the matter and receives no fee from it. Screening is
the key mechanism that prevents imputation of conflicts.
4. This question refers to the Baby Jessica case. John Monroe, who
handled the adoption in Iowa, made the following decision that was
consistent with the Model Rules:
A. To withdraw when it appeared that he would be a witness.
B. To advise Cara to seek independent legal advice before signing the
adoption paperwork in the hospital.
C. To preserve as confidential Cara's statement to him about the
identity of the real father.
D. All of the above.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: All three actions are consistent with the Model Rules.
Rule 3.7 requires withdrawal when a lawyer will be a witness. Rule
1.8 requires advising clients to seek independent counsel in certain
transactions. Rule 1.6 requires maintaining client confidentiality.
5. A lawyer represents a corporation in a merger transaction. During the
representation, the lawyer discovers that the corporation's CEO has
been embezzling funds. The lawyer reports this to the corporation's
board of directors but not to external authorities. The CEO is fired,
and the corporation sues the lawyer for breach of confidentiality. Is
the lawyer subject to discipline?
A. Yes, because the lawyer disclosed confidential information without
the corporation's consent.
B. Yes, because the lawyer should have reported the embezzlement to
authorities immediately.
C. No, because the lawyer acted in the best interests of the
corporation as the client.
D. No, because the disclosure was to the corporation's board, which is
the client's authorized representative.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Under Model Rule 1.13, when a lawyer represents an
, organization, the client is the organization itself, not its officers or
employees. Disclosure to the board of directors (the organization's
authorized representative) is not a breach of confidentiality under
Rule 1.6.
6. Attorney represents Client in a personal injury case. Attorney sends
Client a fee agreement stating that Attorney will charge a 33%
contingency fee. Client signs the agreement without reading it
thoroughly. At the conclusion of the case, Attorney collects $300,000
and keeps $100,000 as fees. Client claims Attorney should have
explained the fee agreement more thoroughly. Is Attorney subject to
discipline?
A. Yes, because Attorney failed to explain the fee agreement in detail.
B. Yes, because contingency fees must be in writing and signed by
both parties.
C. No, because Client signed the agreement and had the opportunity
to read it.
D. No, because the fee is reasonable and the agreement complies with
Rule 1.5.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Under Model Rule 1.5(b), the basis or rate of the fee
should be communicated to the client, preferably in writing. The
agreement was in writing and signed. The 33% contingency fee is
within the reasonable range for personal injury cases. Attorney is
not required to ensure the client reads the entire document.
7. A lawyer is representing a criminal defendant in a murder trial. The
defendant tells the lawyer that he actually committed the crime but
wants to testify that he was elsewhere. What should the lawyer do?
A. Allow the defendant to testify as planned because the client has the
right to testify.
B. Refuse to allow the defendant to testify and move to withdraw.
C. Inform the court that the defendant will commit perjury.
D. Disclose the defendant's confession to the prosecutor.
