What is essential to determine who the client is and the client's role in the matter?

• A. Takes appropriate steps to determine who the client is and the client's role in the matter.
• B. Relies on the client to identify themselves without verification.
• C. Assumes the client is the business owner.
• D. Accepts the client based on a friend referral.

Answer: (A)

Determining who the client is and the client’s role in the matter is essential. Before giving advice or taking action, you must verify the client's identity and establish who is authorized to instruct you, in what capacity they are acting (individual, corporate officer, trustee, agent, etc.), and the scope of your representation. This ensures you owe duties to the correct client, protects confidentiality, and allows proper conflict checks. It also clarifies who can authorize steps, access records, and receive communications—crucial in landlord–tenant situations where multiple parties may claim rights or authority.

Taking appropriate steps to determine the client and their role is the best approach because it prevents misrepresentation, protects ethical duties, and supports clear, authorized communication. Relying on self-identification without verification can lead to acting for the wrong person; assuming the client is the business owner ignores corporate or organizational structures; and accepting a client based on a friend referral may skip necessary checks and create conflicts.