Which statement best describes lawyers’ obligations regarding case acceptance?

The correct answer highlights the ethical responsibility that lawyers have in advocating for vulnerable populations. Lawyers are encouraged to take on cases that serve the defenseless or oppressed because such representation is fundamental to the legal system and serves the interests of justice. This obligation stems from the ethical principles that lawyers should work to improve access to legal services and protect those who may not otherwise have representation.

Although lawyers have the discretion to accept or refuse cases, this discretion should be exercised with a sense of duty toward ensuring that individuals who require legal assistance can obtain it, particularly those in marginalized or underrepresented groups. The service to the community and the pursuit of justice are core tenets of the legal profession, and lawyers are often viewed as having a role that extends beyond mere financial gain.

In contrast, the other statements do not align with the ethical obligations lawyers hold. For instance, the idea that lawyers must take every case conflicts with the principle that they have the right to exercise discretion. Furthermore, stating that lawyers can refuse any case without reason fails to acknowledge the ethical expectation of providing service to those in need. Lastly, suggesting that lawyers only practice law for financial gain undermines the broader public service role that the legal profession plays, as attorneys are often called to engage in pro bono work