Rule 46 forbids which behavior?

• A. Withholding information to avoid embarrassment
• B. Offering gifts to influence the client
• C. Unduly influencing clients to benefit financially
• D. Refusing to act for a client

Answer: (C)

The main concept is that a lawyer must not unduly influence a client to act in a way that benefits the lawyer financially. Rule 46 forbids using pressure, leverage, or manipulation to steer a client toward decisions that will increase the lawyer’s own fees or financial gain, rather than serving the client's interests. For example, telling a client to pursue a particular settlement or litigation path primarily to lock in higher fees would cross this line because the client’s objective is overridden by the lawyer’s financial interest.

Other behaviours mentioned touch on separate ethical duties. Withholding information to avoid embarrassment relates to candour and disclosure to the client, not to influencing the client for financial gain. Offering gifts to influence the client introduces the idea of inducement, which is problematic in its own right but is addressed by different provisions. Refusing to act for a client concerns representation and duty to the client, rather than undue financial influence.