Legal Ethics Paper

Important Ethical Rules for Attorney’s and Law Firms

Kaplan University

Important Ethical Rules for Attorney’s and Law Firms

Ethical Rules have been around as long as there have been lawyers. In 1908, the first formal Canon of Professional Ethics was set forth. In 1969 the Canon was then revised to become the Model Code of Professional responsibility. Then in 1983 the rules were revised and updated and became the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules. (Long, Dr. William, 12/11/05). These set of rules are currently what all attorney and law firms abide by in most states. I have chosen a few I feel to be most important for attorneys and law firms.

One of the most important rules for attorneys to abide by is “ABA Rule 1.6; The Confidentiality of Information”. A client must be assured that whatever information they pass on to their attorney will be held in the strictest confidence. Ernest Schaal in ABA Solo newsletter Vol. 11 no. 2 uses this example “…let’s say we have been in meetings with colleagues for hours about a problem, and we break for lunch. While eating, the conversation drifts back to the problem. At a nearby table, a competitor overhears us and takes notes.” This is an example that shows you must be diligent at all times. Another example is when you are discussing a case with another client, there is nothing of other clients in plain view from other cases.

The next important rule is “Rule 1.3 Diligence”, which states “[a] lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client.” An example of this is two clients come to the attorney for representation. One is a paying client and the other is a pro bono case. The attorney accepts both cases and puts the same amount of time and energy into the cases and works in the best interests of both clients even though one is paying and one is not. The ABA Rule 6.1, Voluntary Pro Bono Publico...