Ohio Legal Ethics Practice Exam

Ohio Legal Ethics Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• A lawyer discovers that their client intends to commit perjury. What

should the lawyer do first?

• Withdraw from representation immediately
• Remonstrate with the client and try to dissuade them from perjury
• Disclose to the court immediately
• Ignore it since confidentiality applies

Rationale: Under Ohio Rule 3.3(a)(3), the lawyer must first counsel the client

not to offer false testimony before taking further steps.

• A client asks a lawyer to destroy incriminating evidence. What should the

lawyer do?

• Destroy it discreetly 1 / 4

• Return it to the client
• Refuse and preserve it as potential evidence
• File a motion to suppress it

Rationale: Rule 3.4(a) prohibits destroying or concealing evidence relevant

to a proceeding.

• A lawyer charges a nonrefundable retainer fee. Which statement is true

under Ohio rules?

• Always allowed if agreed
• Never allowed
• Allowed only if reasonable and clearly explained in writing
• Only for criminal cases

Rationale: Rule 1.5(d) allows flat or nonrefundable fees if reasonable and

the client understands the nature of the payment.

• A judge’s spouse is a partner in a law firm appearing before the judge.

What must the judge do?

• Nothing
• Disclose the relationship and recuse if impartiality may be questioned
• Decide the case fairly
• Seek advisory opinion

Rationale: Rule 2.11(A)(2) requires disqualification when a family member’s

interest may affect impartiality. 2 / 4

• A lawyer neglects to return multiple client calls for two months. What rule

is likely violated?

• Competence
• Diligence and communication
• Confidentiality
• Conflicts

Rationale: Rules 1.3 and 1.4 require reasonable diligence and prompt

communication.

• A lawyer represents both spouses in an uncontested divorce. What is

required?

• Nothing, since uncontested
• Informed written consent from both clients
• Oral consent
• Court approval

Rationale: Rule 1.7 requires informed written consent for concurrent

conflicts of interest.

• Which of the following is NOT protected under confidentiality rules?
• Client communications
• Client identity 3 / 4

• Information generally known or public record
• Legal advice

Rationale: Rule 1.6 protects all information except what is generally known.

• A lawyer is admitted in Kentucky but practices full-time in Ohio without

admission. What is this?

• Permissible temporary practice
• Unauthorized practice of law
• Multijurisdictional exception
• Federal exception

Rationale: Rule 5.5(b) prohibits establishing a continuous presence without

Ohio admission.

• A prosecutor fails to disclose exculpatory evidence. What ethical rule is

violated?

• Diligence
• Special responsibilities of a prosecutor
• Conflicts
• Confidentiality

Rationale: Rule 3.8(d) requires timely disclosure of exculpatory evidence.

• / 4