If a lawyer learns of a colleague’s misconduct but the matter is not within his jurisdiction, what is the required action?

• A. Confront the colleague directly.
• B. Share the information with the client.
• C. Take no action.
• D. Report to the appropriate authority, per Rule 8.3.

Answer: (D)

Rule 8.3 requires a lawyer who knows that another lawyer has engaged in professional misconduct that raises a substantial question as to that lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness to practice to inform the appropriate disciplinary authority. Even if the matter isn’t within your own jurisdiction, you must report to the proper authority—the jurisdiction where the misconduct occurred or where the colleague is licensed. This duty exists to protect the public and maintain the profession’s integrity, not to handle it by confrontation or by telling the client, and not to ignore it. So the correct action is to report to the appropriate authority.