Under MRPC Rule 2.1, what should a lawyer provide when advising a client?

The correct answer emphasizes that a lawyer must provide independent professional judgment and candid advice when advising a client. This requirement under MRPC Rule 2.1 highlights the importance of the lawyer's role as an advisor who combines legal knowledge with their professional expertise to guide clients effectively.

Offering independent professional judgment means that the lawyer should assess the client's situation without undue influence from outside pressures or personal biases. It ensures that the advice given is in the best interest of the client, rather than merely reflecting what the client wishes to hear.

Candid advice involves being honest and straightforward with the client, even if that advice may not align with the client's preferences or expected outcomes. This aspect of professionalism is crucial for maintaining a trustworthy and constructive attorney-client relationship.

In contrast, choices that suggest opinions based solely on client preferences, detailed analyses of case law without contextual advice, or general advice lacking specifics do not align with the requirements of providing comprehensive and sound legal counsel. Such approaches could lead a client to make uninformed decisions that might not serve their best interests or could potentially compromise the quality of the legal representation.