Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California

As an employer, I can tell you don't waste your toner or electrons on saying you are or are not qualifed for the job. The employer will make that determination, not you. Employers are no more interested in hearing your conclusions about your qualifications than a judge is in reading in a MPAA what the law says they "must" do. With that said, however, there is nothing unethical about applying for a position if you meet most of the qualifications. Qualifications are sometimes a wish list, and other times are the minimum requirements of the employer. Even if they say they are "minimum" it may be a wish list. So no harm in applying. Just honestly state your qualifications, emphasize the ones that fit the position best, and leave the determiniation of whether they meet requirements to the employer.

I disagree with Mr. McCormick. If you are attorney, and are applying to work for a firm, you must be truthful. An attorney is not allowed to mislead anyone, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The misleading statement would be the fact that you apply to the employer and saying you meet the qualifications is.

It is never OK for an attorney to mislead anyone.