How does Rule 7.3 serve to protect potential clients in solicitation situations?

Rule 7.3 is designed to ensure that potential clients are protected from coercive, manipulative, or misleading contact by lawyers. This rule acknowledges the inherent power imbalance in the lawyer-client relationship and seeks to prevent lawyers from taking advantage of vulnerable individuals who may be in distress or seeking legal assistance. By imposing restrictions on how lawyers can contact potential clients—especially through unsolicited communications—Rule 7.3 promotes ethical behavior and safeguards individuals from being pressured into hiring a lawyer or entering into a legal agreement without fully understanding the implications.

This rule is particularly relevant in situations where individuals might be facing crises or emergencies, such as accidents, divorce, or criminal charges. The goal is to maintain the integrity of the legal profession and ensure that potential clients can make informed decisions without undue influence. Thus, the correct answer highlights the protective function of Rule 7.3 in ensuring respectful and ethical outreach by legal professionals.