What duty does a lawyer have when communicating with unrepresented persons?

A lawyer has a duty to communicate transparently and ethically, particularly when dealing with unrepresented persons. This obligation emphasizes the importance of clarifying their role to prevent potential misunderstandings about the nature of the lawyer's position and the implications for the unrepresented individual. For instance, unrepresented persons may mistakenly believe that the lawyer is advocating for their interests or providing legal representation when that is not the case. By correcting any such misunderstandings, the lawyer helps ensure that the individual is aware of their own legal standing and the limitations of the lawyer's role.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the lawyer's ethical obligations in this context. While it's important for a lawyer to provide accurate information, giving legal advice if asked could lead to potential conflicts since it may create an assumption of representation. Implying disinterest is misleading and could exacerbate any misunderstandings regarding the lawyer's role. Providing a referral to another lawyer may be a helpful act, but it is not a specific requirement tied to the ethical duty of clarifying one's role. Overall, ensuring that unrepresented individuals understand the lawyer's role is fundamental to promoting informed decision-making and protecting their interests.