What is a lawyer prohibited from doing regarding communicating with represented parties?

A lawyer is prohibited from communicating with a party represented by another lawyer regarding the subject of the representation without obtaining consent from that party's lawyer. This rule is in place to uphold the integrity of the attorney-client relationship and to ensure that the represented party does not inadvertently compromise their legal rights or disclose sensitive information.

The principle underlying this prohibition is to protect the represented party from potential exploitation by opposing counsel who may seek to influence that party improperly. It acknowledges that the represented party is under the guidance of their lawyer, who is responsible for advocating for their interests and advising them on legal matters.

In contrasting this with the other options presented, discussing the case publicly, while often discouraged under various ethical guidelines, does not specifically violate rules regarding communication with represented parties. Providing unsolicited advice could raise ethical concerns but does not specifically relate to the prohibition against communication without consent. Moreover, facing consequences for their actions is a legal reality for lawyers, and the ethical rules do not provide immunity from repercussions for misconduct. Thus, the focus on obtaining consent to communicate with represented parties serves as a vital aspect of maintaining ethical standards in legal practice.