Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

Was the pro bono attorney who solicited pregnant mothers subject to discipline?

1. No, because the attorney was working pro bono

2. No, because the attorney was not soliciting for personal gain

3. Yes, because soliciting potential clients is always improper

4. Yes, because the attorney targeted vulnerable individuals

The correct answer is: No, because the attorney was working pro bono

The correct response centers on the ethical considerations regarding soliciting clients, particularly in a pro bono context. When an attorney provides services pro bono, they are engaging in volunteer work to help those in need, which can often include vulnerable populations, such as pregnant mothers. The nature of pro bono work is to support individuals who may lack access to legal resources. In this scenario, the attorney's solicitation of pregnant mothers may be seen as a means to offer much-needed legal assistance rather than as an act driven by profit. Many legal ethics guidelines understand that serving the public interest is an important aspect of the legal profession, and those who offer their services pro bono are often allowed certain leeway in how they reach out to potential clients. This understanding does not exempt attorneys from all ethical standards, particularly concerning solicitation practices; however, if the outreach is clearly focused on offering help to underserved or vulnerable demographics, it can be justified. Therefore, in this case, the pro bono nature of the attorney's work is a significant factor that reduces the chance of disciplinary action, as they are not seeking personal gain, but rather extending an offer of assistance to those who may greatly benefit from it.