Jackie is a paralegal working for Huey & Duey, Attorneys at Law. One day when both Huey and Duey are in court, Jackie takes a call from a potential client. The potential client, Bruno, states that he has been charged with burglary, but he only entered his former girlfriend’s apartment to retrieve his chess set. Jackie knows that, in her jurisdiction, a defendant will be guilty of burglary if the person breaks and enters a residence or commercial structure with intent to commit a felony therein. Jackie recognizes that Bruno did not intend to steal or commit a felony in his girlfriend’s apartment and may not be guilty of burglary. From the options listed below, what is the best response that Jackie can give to Bruno?
Explanation
Answer: C - Tell Bruno that he must speak with Huey or Duey because only an attorney can agree to accept the case, and then take Bruno’s contact information. Under the ethical rules, only an attorney can agree to represent a client-although support staff can always convey messages between a potential client and the attorney. Answer A is not the best response because it draws a legal conclusion, could mislead the potential client, and could be unauthorized practice of law. Answer B is not the best response, again, because it expresses a legal conclusion and could mislead. Answer D is not the best response because it would be an inappropriate response to a potential client.
