What must lawyers avoid when making statements according to Rule 4.1?

Lawyers must uphold truthfulness in statements to others, as mandated by Rule 4.1 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. This rule emphasizes that in representing a client, a lawyer is required to be truthful and cannot make false statements of material fact or law to a third party. Honesty is fundamental to the legal profession and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.

When lawyers fail to adhere to this requirement, they not only risk disciplinary action but also compromise their client's interests and the trust placed in the legal profession. Truthfulness promotes fairness and helps ensure that all parties involved in legal matters can operate on a truthful basis, which is essential for effective legal representation and the judicial process.

The other choices may involve conduct that could be problematic in different contexts, but only truthfulness specifically aligns with the explicit requirements of Rule 4.1. Lawyers can manage their communications carefully, but the crux of the rule is the necessity of truthfulness in all statements made to others.