In multi-jurisdictional work, what is the recommended approach to ethical questions?

• A. Wait for a court to require a decision.
• B. Ignore differences between jurisdictions and apply home rules.
• C. Identify applicable rules, seek jurisdiction-specific guidance, and avoid conflicts or misapplication of law.
• D. Only consult local counsel if a problem arises.

Answer: (C)

In multi-jurisdictional work, the ethical answer is to identify which rules apply to the matter, seek guidance that is specific to that jurisdiction, and avoid conflicts or misapplication of the law. This means mapping out the governing ethics rules—considering where the conduct occurs, where the client is located, and which jurisdiction’s standards have priority—and then consulting jurisdiction-specific guidance such as local ethics opinions or local counsel to interpret those rules accurately. This approach helps prevent applying the wrong standards, reduces the risk of conflicts of law, and ensures you meet the exact duties required in the relevant jurisdiction.

Waiting for a court to require a decision is reactive and can leave ethical obligations unsettled. Ignoring differences between jurisdictions and simply applying home rules risks misapplying the law and breaching local duties. Only consulting local counsel if a problem arises is also reactive and may miss issues that arise earlier in the matter.