A system developed to shield an attorney or paralegal from a case that would create a conflict of interest is called what?

A system developed to shield an attorney or paralegal from a case that would create a conflict of interest is called what?

• A. Vicarious representation
• B. Confidentiality
• C. Concurrent conflict of interest
• D. Ethical wall or screen or cone of silence

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is the ethical barrier set up inside a law practice to prevent a conflict from affecting representation. This is commonly called an ethical wall, a screen, or a cone of silence. It’s the practical system that isolates certain attorneys, staff, and information so they cannot communicate or access materials related to a matter that could create a conflict for others handling the case. This explanation fits best because it describes a concrete protective measure, not just a general obligation or a description of the conflict itself. It’s not about confidentiality, which guards client secrets, nor about the existence of a conflict itself (that would be a concurrent conflict of interest). It also isn’t a term used to describe representing a client through others (that would be vicarious representation). The ethical wall concept specifically addresses the steps taken to shield the attorney or paralegal from a case to avoid compromising the representation.

The concept being tested is the ethical barrier set up inside a law practice to prevent a conflict from affecting representation. This is commonly called an ethical wall, a screen, or a cone of silence. It’s the practical system that isolates certain attorneys, staff, and information so they cannot communicate or access materials related to a matter that could create a conflict for others handling the case.

This explanation fits best because it describes a concrete protective measure, not just a general obligation or a description of the conflict itself. It’s not about confidentiality, which guards client secrets, nor about the existence of a conflict itself (that would be a concurrent conflict of interest). It also isn’t a term used to describe representing a client through others (that would be vicarious representation). The ethical wall concept specifically addresses the steps taken to shield the attorney or paralegal from a case to avoid compromising the representation.