Which statement about a professional undertaking given by a law firm is correct?

• A. The firm is not bound by undertakings
• B. Only the partners bind the firm
• C. The client may veto undertakings
• D. An undertaking given by anyone in the firm will bind the firm and the person giving it

Answer: (D)

Undertakings are promises made by a solicitor or a law firm to do or refrain from doing something for a client or third party. Because a law firm’s staff act as agents of the firm, any undertaking given by someone in the firm in the ordinary course of their work binds the firm itself. The person who gives the undertaking also bears personal responsibility to keep it; they are personally liable if the undertaking is not fulfilled or is misrepresented. This is why an undertaking given by anyone in the firm will bind both the firm and the person who gave it. The other statements don’t fit because undertakings aren’t limited to partners, clients don’t have a veto over such promises, and the firm’s obligation arises from the act of the staff within their role rather than being restricted to a specific group.