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Which is considered a lawyer's professional responsibility?

  1. To represent all clients equally regardless of their actions.

  2. To advocate for the client’s interests even at the cost of ethical concerns.

  3. To provide zealous representation while respecting the law.

  4. To prioritize winning a case above all else.

The correct answer is: To provide zealous representation while respecting the law.

The professional responsibility of a lawyer centers on providing zealous representation of their clients while simultaneously adhering to ethical standards and the law. This means that while lawyers are committed to advocating vigorously for their clients' interests, they must do so within the boundaries set by legal ethics and regulations. This includes considerations such as honesty, duty to the court, and not engaging in any form of illegal or unethical conduct. In New York, as in many jurisdictions, lawyers are bound by the rules of professional conduct that emphasize the necessity of maintaining integrity in their practice. This includes respecting the legal system, engaging honestly with the court, and ensuring that their actions do not harm the reputation of the legal profession. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a lawyer's professional responsibilities. For instance, representing all clients equally regardless of their actions fails to recognize the need for ethical consideration and could lead to conflicts of interest. Advocating for a client’s interests at any ethical cost undermines the legal obligations that lawyers have. Prioritizing winning a case above all else disregards the ethical duties lawyers owe to the court and to their profession. Thus, a focus on providing zealous representation while respecting the law best aligns with a lawyer's professional responsibility.