NALA Certified Paralegal Practice Exam 2025 - Free Paralegal Practice Questions and Study Guide

Attorney Barnes has violated the conflict of interest rule by making himself the sole beneficiary of a client's will. It is unethical for an attorney to put their own interests above those of their client, and by doing so, Barnes has created a clear conflict of interest. Option A, the client confidentiality rule, is incorrect because this rule pertains to the protection of a client's personal and sensitive information, not their estate or will decisions. Option B, the attorney-client privilege, is incorrect because this rule pertains to the confidentiality of communication between an attorney and their client, again not the same issue as the question. Option C, the duty of competence, is incorrect because this rule pertains to an attorney's ability to provide competent and diligent representation, not their personal involvement in a client's legal matters. Therefore, the most accurate answer is D, the conflict of interest rule.