Under Model Rule 1.13, what duty does the lawyer owe to the organization if an officer’s actions violate law and cause harm?

• A. The lawyer should withdraw from representation.
• B. The lawyer should act to protect the organization, including reporting to appropriate authority if necessary.
• C. The lawyer should report to the press.
• D. The lawyer should protect the officer's interests above the organization.

Answer: (B)

Under Model Rule 1.13, the organization is the client, so the lawyer’s duty is to protect the organization when someone within it, such as an officer, commits illegal acts that cause harm. The lawyer should first try to remedy the situation through internal channels—persuading the organization to address the misconduct and reporting to the appropriate governance or senior authorities within the organization. If the organization refuses to act and the wrongdoing is likely to cause substantial harm, the lawyer may disclose information to external authorities to prevent that harm, but only to the extent reasonably necessary and while respecting confidentiality. This framework is why the best answer is to act to protect the organization, including reporting to the appropriate authority if needed. Reporting to the press is inappropriate and could violate confidentiality, and prioritizing the officer’s interests over the organization would violate the lawyer’s duty to the client.