What are the ethical duties of a legal assistant?

The ethical duties of a legal assistant are fundamentally tied to supporting the attorney while upholding the standards of professional conduct required in the legal field. Engaging in ethical conduct consistent with the attorney ensures that the legal assistant aligns their actions with the ethical obligations of the legal profession. This means that legal assistants should follow guidelines that protect client confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest, and perform tasks with integrity and responsibility.

By collaborating closely with the attorney and adhering to ethical standards, a legal assistant not only supports the legal team but also contributes to the overall integrity of the legal process. This alignment helps maintain public trust in the legal profession and ensures that all actions taken are within the bounds of the law and professional ethics.

The other options fail to recognize the collaborative nature of the legal profession and the importance of ethical standards. Acting independently of the attorney undermines the teamwork required in legal settings, while disregarding ethical guidelines would be detrimental to both the attorney's practice and the clients' interests. Similarly, offering personal opinions over professional advice could lead to unprofessional conduct and may compromise the attorney-client relationship.