Model Rule 8.3 requires a lawyer to do what upon learning a colleague has violated an ethical rule?

• A. Report the misconduct to the appropriate disciplinary authority.
• B. Confront the colleague privately and do nothing.
• C. Ignore it unless there is a risk to the client.
• D. Publicly criticize the colleague in court.

Answer: (A)

When a lawyer learns that another lawyer has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct, Model Rule 8.3 requires reporting that knowledge to the appropriate disciplinary authority. This duty protects clients and the public by ensuring misconduct is investigated and addressed by the proper body, not left unresolved or handled informally. Reporting to the disciplinary authority is the correct path because it channels the issue into an official process designed to determine whether a violation occurred and what sanctions or corrective actions are appropriate. Confronting the colleague privately and doing nothing misplaces the responsibility and can allow ongoing harm; ignoring it undermines public trust; publicly criticizing the colleague in court is inappropriate and improperly escalates the matter outside the disciplinary framework. There is a narrow exception if the information is confidential or protected by privilege, in which case disclosure may not be required, but absent that protection, the duty to report stands.