Which rule pertains specifically to duties to third parties?

The correct answer is Rule 4.1, which addresses a lawyer's duty to third parties. Specifically, Rule 4.1 states that in the course of representing a client, a lawyer shall not knowingly make a false statement of material fact or law to a third person or fail to disclose a material fact to a third person when disclosure is necessary to avoid assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by a client. This rule establishes clear expectations regarding honesty and the obligation to prevent harm to third parties when interacting in a professional capacity.

Understanding this rule is essential because it highlights the importance of a lawyer's integrity and the ethical duty to maintain truthful communications, not just with clients but also with individuals who are not parties to the representation. The standard promotes transparency and upholds the legal profession's responsibility to the public.

The other rules listed pertain to different aspects of professional conduct. Rule 3.7 deals with a lawyer's role as a witness, Rule 7.2 addresses advertising and solicitation, and Rule 1.5 discusses fees and their reasonableness. While each of these rules is significant in its context, they do not specifically focus on the duties lawyers owe to third parties in the same way that Rule 4.1 does.