Which of the following is a primary purpose of the MRPC?

The primary purpose of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (MRPC) is to ensure ethical and professional behavior among lawyers. The MRPC establishes guidelines that govern lawyers' conduct, promoting integrity, and accountability within the legal profession. By setting forth principles such as competence, confidentiality, and conflict of interest, the rules aim to uphold the public's trust in the legal system and maintain the lawyer's ability to serve as a steadfast advocate for clients while adhering to ethical standards.

In contrast, standardizing billing practices is not a central focus of the MRPC, nor does it directly address issues of ethics or professional behavior. While legal research has its own importance in the practice of law, it is not a purpose of the MRPC. Additionally, law school admissions fall outside the scope of the MRPC; those processes are typically governed by separate educational and accreditation standards rather than by ethical rules for practitioners. Thus, the emphasis on ethical conduct forms the cornerstone of the MRPC's objectives.