What is required of a lawyer regarding the conduct of nonlawyer assistants?

A lawyer has a responsibility to ensure that their nonlawyer assistants comply with the professional rules of conduct. This requirement is grounded in the principle that lawyers maintain ultimate responsibility for the work performed on their behalf. Nonlawyer assistants, such as paralegals or administrative staff, may perform substantial tasks, but those tasks must still align with the ethical and professional standards set forth by the legal profession.

By ensuring compliance with professional rules, lawyers protect both their clients and the integrity of the legal profession. This includes overseeing the work of nonlawyer staff and ensuring that all activities conducted under their supervision adhere to all relevant regulations. The responsibility for ethical compliance cannot be delegated to nonlawyers; the lawyer is ultimately accountable for the representations made and the conduct of those working under their authority. Thus, a lawyer must actively engage in supervising and guiding the actions of their nonlawyer assistants to uphold professional standards.