When is a lawyer responsible for another lawyer's ethical violation?

In the context of a lawyer's responsibility for another lawyer's ethical violations, the correct answer encompasses a broader understanding of the circumstances under which one lawyer may be held accountable for the actions of another.

A lawyer can be responsible for another lawyer's ethical violation when they are in a position to supervise, influence, or control that lawyer's conduct. This includes situations where they have formal authority over the other lawyer, such as being partners in a law firm or having direct supervisory authority. However, the obligation does not end there; the responsibility also extends to situations where a lawyer is aware of unethical conduct and fails to act. If a lawyer could have intervened to stop a violation but chose not to, they may also face accountability.

Thus, the interpretation that a lawyer is responsible under these various circumstances highlights the responsibility of lawyers not just to adhere to ethical standards personally but also to ensure that those within their sphere—whether through partnership, supervision, or moral obligation—are compliant with those standards as well. By recognizing this layered responsibility, it contributes to the overall integrity of the legal profession.