What must a paralegal do if they discover a client is engaging in illegal activities?

When a paralegal discovers that a client is engaging in illegal activities, the appropriate course of action is to advise the client to cease the illegal activity. This response aligns with the ethical obligations of a legal professional to uphold the law and maintain integrity within the legal profession. In addition, if the client refuses to stop these activities, the paralegal may be required to withdraw from representation to avoid complicity in the wrongdoing.

This requirement is based on the principles of professional conduct, which state that legal professionals must not assist clients in committing illegal activities or furthering unlawful objectives. By advising the client and taking necessary steps to withdraw, the paralegal acts in accordance with legal ethics, ensuring they do not become implicated in the client's illegal actions.

The other options present scenarios that either do not align with the ethical duties of a paralegal or potentially expose the paralegal to legal ramifications. For instance, reporting the client to authorities might breach client confidentiality and trust without giving the client an opportunity to rectify the situation. Continuing representation while ignoring the issue can violate professional standards and could lead to serious legal consequences for the paralegal. Discussing the matter with other clients raises confidentiality concerns and potentially damages the client’s relationship with the paralegal