What should a lawyer consider when newly admitted to practice?

When newly admitted to practice, a lawyer must adhere to the duty of competence and diligence. This means that regardless of their recent admission to the bar, they are still required to provide competent representation to their clients and to be diligent in pursuing their clients' interests. The duty of competence entails having the necessary legal knowledge, skill, and preparation to handle the specific matters they undertake. Diligence requires that the lawyer act with promptness and attention in their professional responsibilities.

It’s essential for new lawyers to understand that their recent graduation from law school and passage of the bar exam do not exempt them from these fundamental responsibilities. They still need to seek advice from more experienced attorneys when necessary and engage in ongoing education to ensure they are capable of effectively serving their clients’ needs.

Other considerations in the options presented are not applicable. The notion that the duty of diligence becomes less strict is misleading, as this duty applies uniformly regardless of experience level. Assuming a lawyer can take any case regardless of their level of expertise could pose serious risks for clients and contravene professional ethical standards. Lastly, a lawyer’s past academic performance does not confer any special privilege that exempts them from scrutiny or the ongoing requirements of competence and diligence in their legal practice.