Model Rule 4.1 prohibits what type of conduct?

• A. False statements of material fact or law to third parties
• B. Violating confidentiality
• C. Revealing attorney's trial strategy to opponents
• D. Withholding evidence from the court

Answer: (A)

Rule 4.1 focuses on truthfulness in communications to people outside the attorney–client relationship. It prohibits a lawyer from knowingly making false statements of material fact or law to a third party. “Knowing” means you actually know the statement is false (or act with reckless disregard for the truth), and “material” means something a reasonable person would consider important in deciding whether to rely on the statement. So the rule targets misrepresentations to outsiders about facts or the law, not simply keeping client confidences or handling trial strategy, which fall under other ethics rules. For example, telling a third party that your client committed a crime when you know it isn’t true would violate this rule. The other options point to confidentiality, trial strategy, or disclosure duties covered by different rules.