A. In fulfilling his or her primary duty to the client, a lawyer must be ever conscious of the
broader duty to the judicial system that serves both attorney and client.
B. A lawyer owes, to the judiciary, candor, diligence and utmost respect.
C. A lawyer owes, to opposing counsel, a duty of courtesy and cooperation, the
observance of which is necessary for the efficient administration of our system of justice
and the respect of the public it serves.
D. A lawyer unquestionably owes, to the administration of justice, the fundamental duties
of personal dignity and professional integrity.
E. Lawyers should treat each other, the opposing party, the court, and members of the
court staff with courtesy and civility and conduct themselves in a professional manner
at all times.
F. A client has no right to demand that counsel abuse the opposite party or indulge in
offensive conduct. A lawyer shall always treat adverse witnesses and suitors with
fairness and due consideration.
G. In adversary proceedings, clients are litigants, and though ill feeling may exist between
clients, such ill feeling should not influence a lawyer’s conduct, attitude, or demeanor
towards opposing lawyers.
H. A lawyer should not use any form of discovery, or the scheduling of discovery, as a
means of harassing opposing counsel or counsel’s client.
I. Lawyers will be punctual in communications with others and in honoring scheduled
appearances and will recognize that neglect and tardiness are demeaning to the lawyer
and to the judicial system.
J. If a fellow member of the Bar makes a just request for cooperation, or seeks scheduling
accommodation, a lawyer will not arbitrarily or unreasonably withhold consent.
K. Effective advocacy does not require antagonistic or obnoxious behavior and members of
the Bar will adhere to the higher standard of conduct which judges, lawyers, clients, and
the public may rightfully expect.
(Added May 8, 2001).
