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Question

Canon 2 - Propriety - Duty not to encroach or interfere in another lawyer’s engagement - Section 24

A lawyer should not encroach upon the work or interfere in the engagement of another lawyer by directly or indirectly doing so. This duty ensures the respect and professionalism among lawyers in the legal community.

Based on the given Canons of Professional Responsibility and Section 24 of Canon 2, please answer the following practical scenarios:

1. Attorney A has been engaged by a client to handle a complex corporate transaction. Attorney B, who is aware of Attorney A's engagement, contacts the client and offers to handle the same transaction for a lower fee. The client expresses interest in Attorney B's offer and mentions it to Attorney A. What ethical obligation does Attorney B have in this situation?
2. Attorney C is representing a client in a real estate dispute. Attorney D, who is the opposing counsel, sends Attorney C a settlement offer that is way below the fair value of the client's property. Attorney D tells Attorney C that if they don't accept the offer, they will use their connections in the judiciary to delay the case indefinitely. What actions should Attorney C take in response to this unethical behavior?
3. Attorney E is handling a high-profile criminal case. Attorney F, who is a friend of the accused, approaches Attorney E and offers a large sum of money in exchange for manipulating evidence in order to secure an acquittal. How should Attorney E handle this situation based on their ethical obligations as a lawyer?

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Answer