Canadian Legal Ethics and Professional
Responsibility Exam Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
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1. A lawyer licensed in a Canadian jurisdiction is representing both the
vendor and purchaser in a residential real estate transaction involving
close family friends. During the course of the transaction, the lawyer
discovers that the vendor failed to disclose a known structural defect
in the property that may materially affect the purchaser’s decision to
proceed. The vendor instructs the lawyer not to reveal the
information, claiming the purchaser has not specifically asked about
defects. Under Canadian legal ethics principles and law society rules
concerning conflicts of interest and duties of candour, what is the
lawyer’s most appropriate course of action?
,A. Continue acting for both parties because solicitor-client confidentiality
overrides any duty to disclose
B. Disclose the defect to the purchaser immediately without consulting the
vendor further
C. Withdraw from representing both parties unless the vendor consents to
disclosure and rectification
D. Advise the purchaser to obtain an inspection without revealing the defect
C. Withdraw from representing both parties unless the vendor consents to
disclosure and rectification
The lawyer owes duties of loyalty, honesty, and avoidance of conflicts to
both clients. Where confidential information from one client materially
affects the interests of another jointly represented client, and consent to
disclosure is refused, the lawyer generally must withdraw from acting for
both parties to avoid breaching ethical obligations.
2. A criminal defence lawyer receives confidential information from a
client admitting guilt to a charged offence but intends to plead not
guilty and testify that another person committed the crime. According
to Canadian legal ethics rules governing advocacy and integrity of the
justice system, what must the lawyer do?
A. Permit the testimony because every accused person has the right to full
answer and defence
,B. Withdraw from representation only after the client has testified falsely
C. Refuse to present testimony known to be false and advise the client
accordingly
D. Inform the prosecutor of the client’s confession immediately
C. Refuse to present testimony known to be false and advise the client
accordingly
Lawyers must not knowingly assist or permit perjury. Although lawyers
must maintain confidentiality and vigorously defend clients, they cannot
present evidence they know to be false or mislead the court. Ethical
obligations to the administration of justice supersede tactical
considerations.
3. A lawyer acting for a corporate client discovers that a senior executive
has instructed employees to destroy documents relevant to ongoing
litigation. The executive directs the lawyer not to interfere because
disclosure could expose the company to severe liability. What is the
lawyer’s primary ethical obligation under Canadian professional
responsibility standards?
A. Follow the executive’s instructions because the executive speaks for the
corporation
B. Advise the corporation against unlawful conduct and take steps to
prevent destruction of evidence
, C. Withdraw silently from the representation without documenting concerns
D. Destroy copies of the documents in the lawyer’s possession to preserve
privilege
B. Advise the corporation against unlawful conduct and take steps to
prevent destruction of evidence
A lawyer representing an organization acts for the organization itself, not
individual officers. Lawyers must not assist dishonesty, fraud, crime, or
illegal conduct, including destruction of evidence. Ethical duties require the
lawyer to advise against such actions and consider further protective steps
if misconduct continues.
4. A lawyer learns through a confidential conversation that a client
intends to commit a violent assault against a former spouse later that
evening. Under Canadian ethical rules concerning confidentiality and
public safety, when may the lawyer disclose confidential information?
A. Never, because solicitor-client confidentiality is absolute
B. Only after the assault has occurred and criminal charges are laid
C. Where disclosure is necessary to prevent imminent risk of serious bodily
harm or death
D. Only if ordered by the client’s family members
C. Where disclosure is necessary to prevent imminent risk of serious bodily
harm or death
Responsibility Exam Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. A lawyer licensed in a Canadian jurisdiction is representing both the
vendor and purchaser in a residential real estate transaction involving
close family friends. During the course of the transaction, the lawyer
discovers that the vendor failed to disclose a known structural defect
in the property that may materially affect the purchaser’s decision to
proceed. The vendor instructs the lawyer not to reveal the
information, claiming the purchaser has not specifically asked about
defects. Under Canadian legal ethics principles and law society rules
concerning conflicts of interest and duties of candour, what is the
lawyer’s most appropriate course of action?
,A. Continue acting for both parties because solicitor-client confidentiality
overrides any duty to disclose
B. Disclose the defect to the purchaser immediately without consulting the
vendor further
C. Withdraw from representing both parties unless the vendor consents to
disclosure and rectification
D. Advise the purchaser to obtain an inspection without revealing the defect
C. Withdraw from representing both parties unless the vendor consents to
disclosure and rectification
The lawyer owes duties of loyalty, honesty, and avoidance of conflicts to
both clients. Where confidential information from one client materially
affects the interests of another jointly represented client, and consent to
disclosure is refused, the lawyer generally must withdraw from acting for
both parties to avoid breaching ethical obligations.
2. A criminal defence lawyer receives confidential information from a
client admitting guilt to a charged offence but intends to plead not
guilty and testify that another person committed the crime. According
to Canadian legal ethics rules governing advocacy and integrity of the
justice system, what must the lawyer do?
A. Permit the testimony because every accused person has the right to full
answer and defence
,B. Withdraw from representation only after the client has testified falsely
C. Refuse to present testimony known to be false and advise the client
accordingly
D. Inform the prosecutor of the client’s confession immediately
C. Refuse to present testimony known to be false and advise the client
accordingly
Lawyers must not knowingly assist or permit perjury. Although lawyers
must maintain confidentiality and vigorously defend clients, they cannot
present evidence they know to be false or mislead the court. Ethical
obligations to the administration of justice supersede tactical
considerations.
3. A lawyer acting for a corporate client discovers that a senior executive
has instructed employees to destroy documents relevant to ongoing
litigation. The executive directs the lawyer not to interfere because
disclosure could expose the company to severe liability. What is the
lawyer’s primary ethical obligation under Canadian professional
responsibility standards?
A. Follow the executive’s instructions because the executive speaks for the
corporation
B. Advise the corporation against unlawful conduct and take steps to
prevent destruction of evidence
, C. Withdraw silently from the representation without documenting concerns
D. Destroy copies of the documents in the lawyer’s possession to preserve
privilege
B. Advise the corporation against unlawful conduct and take steps to
prevent destruction of evidence
A lawyer representing an organization acts for the organization itself, not
individual officers. Lawyers must not assist dishonesty, fraud, crime, or
illegal conduct, including destruction of evidence. Ethical duties require the
lawyer to advise against such actions and consider further protective steps
if misconduct continues.
4. A lawyer learns through a confidential conversation that a client
intends to commit a violent assault against a former spouse later that
evening. Under Canadian ethical rules concerning confidentiality and
public safety, when may the lawyer disclose confidential information?
A. Never, because solicitor-client confidentiality is absolute
B. Only after the assault has occurred and criminal charges are laid
C. Where disclosure is necessary to prevent imminent risk of serious bodily
harm or death
D. Only if ordered by the client’s family members
C. Where disclosure is necessary to prevent imminent risk of serious bodily
harm or death
