What must a lawyer do if they are aware of another lawyer's violation of the Rules?

When a lawyer is aware of another lawyer's violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, the appropriate course of action is to inform the appropriate professional authority. This is rooted in the principle that maintaining the integrity of the legal profession is paramount. Lawyers have an obligation to uphold the standards of their profession and ensure that misconduct is addressed in a way that protects clients and the public.

Informing the appropriate authority allows for the violation to be investigated and handled according to the procedures established by the legal profession's governing bodies. This approach not only reinforces professional accountability but also helps to maintain public trust in the legal system.

Other options, such as reporting the violation to the public or confronting the other lawyer directly, may not be advisable. Reporting to the public could lead to misinformation or escalate a situation unnecessarily, while direct confrontation might not resolve the issue constructively and could risk further conflicts. Ignoring the violation is also not compliant with the ethical obligations a lawyer has to address misconduct in the legal profession.