A Paralegal, Who Had Been Married for Seven Years, Was

A paralegal, who had been married for seven years, was employed by a family law attorney. The attorney was retained by a husband to represent him in a divorce case. When the paralegal met the client, she found him to be moderately attractive. Sometime later, after meeting with the client on a matter, the client asked the paralegal if she would meet with him for a drink. She agreed, as a courtesy to the client, and met him for a drink that evening. She met with the client for lunch or drinks several times after that, and eventually the paralegal and the client had an affair-all while the attorney's representation of the client was ongoing. Has the paralegal violated any rule of professional ethics?

A) Yes, because a lawyer cannot have a sexual relationship with a client unless the relationship existed prior to the attorney-client relationship.
B) Yes, because a lawyer cannot engage in any conduct involving misrepresentation or deceit.
C) No, because the Model Rules do not regulate or cover a lawyer's personal life.
D) No, because a sexual relationship with a client does not create a conflict of interest since the lawyer has more incentive to act in the client's interests.

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