What must a lawyer ensure when dealing with non-lawyer assistants?

A lawyer has a responsibility to ensure that non-lawyer assistants follow the rules of professional conduct. This is crucial as non-lawyer staff may be involved in tasks that require ethical considerations and compliance with legal standards. Lawyers are tasked with overseeing the activities of their assistants and ensuring that their actions align with the ethical obligations of the legal profession.

For instance, if a non-lawyer assistant interacts with clients or handles sensitive information, it is essential that those interactions adhere to the confidentiality and integrity principles embedded in the rules of professional conduct. This responsibility helps maintain the firm's ethical standards and protects both the lawyer and clients from potential misconduct.

In contrast to this correct answer, options that suggest non-lawyer assistants need to be updated on all legal precedents, treated as partners, or provided with extensive legal training are less aligned with the fundamental expectations of a lawyer's supervisory role. While understanding precedents and receiving training may enhance the non-lawyer's ability to perform their role, the core duty revolves around ensuring that their actions comply with professional conduct rules, which is paramount to supporting the integrity of legal practice.