What might a representative's violation of their duties result in?

When a representative violates their duties, it typically leads to a loss of professional credibility. This is crucial because credibility is foundational in any advisory or representative role, particularly in legal, financial, or professional settings. Clients trust representatives to act in their best interests and to uphold ethical standards. If a representative fails to do so—by being negligent, dishonest, or failing to communicate effectively—it can severely damage their reputation. Loss of credibility can lead to diminished trust among current clients and potential clients, ultimately affecting the representative's ability to attract new business and maintain existing relationships.

In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios that are generally unlikely to occur after a breach of duties. A successful claim for the client, increased trust from clients, or enhanced negotiation abilities are not outcomes one would expect from a violation of ethical responsibilities. Instead, such violations generally result in decreased confidence from clients and the broader community, reinforcing the importance of maintaining integrity in representative roles.