If a lawyer discovers conduct that violates the organization's legal obligations, what must they typically do?

When a lawyer discovers conduct that violates an organization's legal obligations, the appropriate course of action is to report the matter within the organization, commonly referred to as "reporting up." This aligns with the attorney's duty to uphold the law and ensure that the organization remains compliant with its legal responsibilities.

Reporting up allows the lawyer to address the issue internally, giving the organization the opportunity to rectify the conduct. This approach minimizes potential harm to the organization and can lead to corrective actions being taken without exposing the issue externally. It also aligns with the lawyer's role in maintaining the integrity of the organization while fulfilling their ethical obligations.

Other options do not align as well with professional conduct. Reporting to the media can breach client confidentiality and trust. Ignoring the conduct disregards the legal obligations the lawyer is meant to uphold and could lead to greater legal ramifications for the organization. Consulting with outside counsel may be necessary in some situations, but the initial step must be to report the matter within the organization to give it a chance to address the issue internally first. Thus, the proper and ethical response is to report up within the organization.