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Question

Canon V - Equality: Duty to Provide the Same Standard of Service - Section 4

In line with the principle of equality, lawyers are required to provide the same standard of service to all clients regardless of their personal characteristics. Section 4 of Canon V of the Code of Professional Responsibility specifically addresses the duty of lawyers in this regard. With that being said, consider the following scenarios:

1. Attorney A is approached by two potential clients, Client X and Client Y. Client X is a wealthy individual who is well-known in the community, while Client Y is an underprivileged individual who has limited financial resources. Attorney A decides to charge Client X a substantially higher fee for the legal services, compared to the lower fee offered to Client Y. Is Attorney A violating the duty to provide the same standard of service under Section 4 of Canon V? Explain your answer.
2. Lawyer B is representing a couple, Clients P and Q, in a divorce case. During the course of the case, Lawyer B consistently prioritizes the requests and concerns of Client P over those of Client Q. Client Q feels ignored and believes that Lawyer B is providing a lower standard of service compared to Client P. Is Lawyer B breaching the duty to provide the same standard of service under Section 4 of Canon V? Discuss the ethical implications of this situation.
3. Attorney C is a partner in a prestigious law firm. One of their clients, Client Z, belongs to a marginalized community and faces discrimination in society. Attorney C diligently represents Client Z and ensures that their legal rights are protected. In addition to providing legal assistance, Attorney C actively takes steps to address the broader systemic issues and advocate for social justice for marginalized communities. How does Attorney C's actions align with the duty to provide the same standard of service under Section 4 of Canon V? Analyze the role of lawyers in promoting equality beyond individual client representation.

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Answer