What is the proper channel for communicating settlement offers to the represented party?

• A. Directly approach the represented party to expedite settlement.
• B. Communicate through the represented party’s counsel, ensuring fairness and avoiding improper influence.
• C. Inform the client directly and bypass counsel.
• D. Publicly disclose settlement offers.

Answer: (B)

When a party is represented by counsel, settlement communications must go through that counsel. This preserves the integrity of the representation, prevents attempts to influence the client outside their lawyer’s oversight, and keeps negotiations fair and properly managed. Directly approaching the represented party or bypassing their counsel can undermine the client’s independent legal advice and may amount to improper influence or ex parte contact. Public disclosure of offers is inappropriate because settlement talks should be private and conducted through proper channels. So, conveying the settlement offer via the represented party’s counsel is the correct approach.