What should a lawyer do if they reasonably believe a client will give false testimony?

In a situation where a lawyer reasonably believes that a client intends to give false testimony, the appropriate course of action is to ensure that ethical obligations are upheld while also navigating the complexities of client representation. Allowing the client to testify is not the correct answer because it could lead to the lawyer facilitating a fraudulent act, which is against professional ethics and legal obligations.

The correct approach would involve advising the client against presenting false testimony and discussing the potential legal consequences of such actions. A lawyer has a duty to maintain the integrity of the judicial process, which does not permit knowingly assisting a client in lying to the court. If a lawyer believes that the client is going to commit perjury or give false testimony, the lawyer may need to take steps to withdraw from the representation if the issue cannot be resolved, or attempt to dissuade the client from proceeding with the fabrication.

Choosing to inform law enforcement is also not appropriate in this context, as it could breach attorney-client privilege and undermine the lawyer's ability to advocate for their client. Overall, the lawyer must navigate this challenging situation with care, ensuring that they uphold their ethical responsibilities while protecting their client's rights.