When “I Don’t Lie” Isn’t Enough: Ethics and CLE Misrepresentation
November 6, 2025•268 words
When “I Don’t Lie” Isn’t Enough: Ethics and CLE Misrepresentation
In the legal world, integrity isn’t just a virtue — it’s a license requirement. Yet sometimes, small shortcuts can blur the line between efficiency and deception.
The Scenario
A paralegal calls into a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) meeting for the attorney she works for. The attorney skips the session but later claims the credit as if he attended.
When questioned, he insists, “I don’t lie.”
The Problem
CLE courses exist to ensure attorneys maintain their competence — not their staff. Having a paralegal attend in place of a lawyer and claiming credit is a misrepresentation, no matter how it’s rationalized.
Under ABA Model Rule 8.4(c), it’s professional misconduct for a lawyer to “engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.”
That includes omissions and false impressions, not just spoken lies.
The Psychology of Rationalization
There’s often a gap between what someone believes about themselves and what they actually do:
Rationalization: “She works for me, so it’s basically the same.”
Compartmentalization: “I didn’t say I attended — I just didn’t correct it.”
But in law, silence can still mislead.
Why It Matters
A single act of misrepresentation can harm:
The attorney’s professional reputation
The firm’s ethical standing
The paralegal’s career, if they participate knowingly
Integrity means doing what’s right when no one’s watching — especially in a field built on trust.
Bottom Line
Saying “I don’t lie” doesn’t erase a dishonest act. In law, honesty isn’t only about words — it’s about accurate representation of facts, even when inconvenient.