NALA Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a legal assistant's code of ethics?

Accepted Answer

To maintain client confidentiality and act with integrity

Answer

To increase billing rates.

Answer

To follow court etiquette.

Answer

To avoid communication with clients.

Question 2

Why is confidentiality critical in legal work?

Accepted Answer

To build client trust and comply with legal ethics

Answer

To impress the opposing counsel.

Answer

To prevent public scrutiny.

Answer

To increase office security costs.

Question 3

What should a legal assistant do if they observe unethical behavior?

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior to a supervising attorney

Answer

Ignore it if it’s not their case.

Answer

Discuss it with clients.

Answer

Post it on social media anonymously.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest?

Accepted Answer

Handling two clients with opposing interests

Answer

Working overtime.

Answer

Using office equipment.

Answer

Submitting court documents on time.

Question 5

How should a legal assistant handle a client’s confidential documents?

Accepted Answer

Store them securely and restrict access to authorized individuals

Answer

Scan and email them to friends.

Answer

Leave them on a public printer.

Answer

Shred them immediately.

Question 6

What is unauthorized practice of law?

Accepted Answer

Advising a client on legal strategy without attorney oversight

Answer

Creating legal templates.

Answer

Typing a deposition transcript.

Answer

Filing forms with the court.

Question 7

What is the most ethical action if a client offers a gift?

Accepted Answer

Refer to office policy or decline the gift

Answer

Accept it privately.

Answer

Donate it to charity immediately.

Answer

Exchange it for legal fees.

Question 8

What does the duty of competence require?

Accepted Answer

Stay informed, trained, and perform duties with diligence

Answer

Always agree with the attorney.

Answer

Act professionally but skip continuing education.

Answer

Avoid taking new assignments.

Question 9

Why should paralegals avoid making misleading statements?

Accepted Answer

To avoid legal repercussions and uphold credibility

Answer

To reduce communication time.

Answer

Because honesty is optional.

Answer

To speed up the litigation process.