Mary Ellen Dillon Is an Audit Partner with a Large

Multiple Choice

Mary Ellen Dillon is an audit partner with a large public accounting firm. Recently, one of her long-standing clients suddenly filed for bankruptcy protection. Mary Ellen's firm had previously issued an unqualified opinion on the client's financial statements. As a result, Mary Ellen's firm is being sued for negligence. Mary Ellen's best defense would be:

A) To challenge standing on the part of the defendant.
B) To cite the professional standards and maintain that the firm met the "prudent person" standard.
C) To cite the client's responsibility for the financial statements.
D) All of the above.