What must lawyers avoid according to the ethical guidelines?

Lawyers are bound by ethical guidelines that mandate honesty and integrity in their interactions with the courts. Making false statements to courts compromises the justice system and undermines the rule of law. Such actions can lead to serious consequences, including disciplinary measures for the lawyer, loss of credibility, and potential legal ramifications for their clients. Therefore, avoiding false statements is fundamental to maintaining the ethical standards expected in legal practice.

The other options, while also relevant to ethical practices, do not encapsulate the foundational ethical obligation to uphold honesty in representations made before the court. Accepting payments from clients is a normal practice as long as they are legitimate and agreed upon, and marketing tactics must comply with professional guidelines but do not inherently violate ethics unless misleading. Withholding information from a client could breach duties of communication and transparency but does not directly pertain to the critical integrity expected in representations to the courts. Thus, the necessity for lawyers to avoid making false statements to courts stands out as a paramount ethical requirement.