Under what condition may a lawyer engage in sexual relations with a client?

A lawyer may engage in sexual relations with a client only if the relationship existed prior to the formation of the lawyer-client relationship. This principle is grounded in the ethics rules, which aim to avoid any conflicts of interest, exploitation, or coercion that could arise from a sexual relationship between a lawyer and a client. Such dynamics could impair the lawyer's ability to provide unbiased and competent representation, as emotional factors may interfere with the professional duties owed to the client.

When a sexual relationship is established before the legal representation begins, the power imbalance inherent in the lawyer-client relationship is less likely to lead to ethical breaches, making this the acceptable circumstance under which a lawyer might engage in a sexual relationship.

The other options fail to recognize the importance of maintaining ethical boundaries within the law profession. Engaging in sexual relations as part of a professional relationship, agreeing verbally, or entering into relationships due to personal interest does not sufficiently address the ethical considerations and potential for exploitation that the Model Rules of Professional Conduct emphasize.