ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct
[This table of contents provides access to both the version of the Model Rules adopted by the ABA House of Delegates, February 5, 2002, in response to the recommendations of the Ethics 2000 Commision, as subsequently amended (the "Current Version") and the prior version of the Model Rules (the "Pre-2002" version). Both versions link to one another.]
The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, including Preamble, Scope, Terminology and Comment, were adopted by the ABA House of Delegates on August 2, 1983, and amended in 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002.
©2002 by the American Bar Association. All rights reserved.
Introductory Matter
- Preface to pre-2002 version
- Introduction to pre-2002 version
- Preamble
- Scope
- Terminology [Rule 1.0]
PART 1. CLIENT-LAWYER RELATIONSHIP
- Rule 1.1: Competence
- Rule 1.2: Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority between Client and Lawyer
- Rule 1.3: Diligence
- Rule 1.4: Communication
- Rule 1.5: Fees
- Rule 1.6: Confidentiality of Information
- Rule 1.7: Conflict of Interest: Current Clients
- Rule 1.8: Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules
- Rule 1.9: Duties to Former Clients
- Rule 1.10: Imputation of Conflicts of Interest: General Rule
- Rule 1.11: Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees
- Rule 1.12: Former Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator or Other Third-Party Neutral
- Rule 1.13: Organization as Client
- Rule 1.14: Client With Diminished Capacity
- Rule 1.15: Safekeeping Property
- Rule 1.16: Declining or Terminating Representation
- Rule 1.17: Sale of Law Practice
- Rule 1.18: Duties to Prospective Client
PART 2. COUNSELOR
- Rule 2.1: Advisor
- Rule 2.2: Intermediary
- Rule 2.3: Evaluation for Use by Third Persons
- Rule 2.4: Lawyer Serving as Third-Party Neutral
PART 3. ADVOCATE
- Rule 3.1: Meritorious Claims and Contentions
- Rule 3.2: Expediting Litigation
- Rule 3.3: Candor Toward the Tribunal
- Rule 3.4: Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel
- Rule 3.5: Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
- Rule 3.6: Trial Publicity
- Rule 3.7: Lawyer as Witness
- Rule 3.8: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
- Rule 3.9: Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings
PART 4. TRANSACTIONS WITH PERSONS OTHER THAN CLIENTS
- Rule 4.1: Truthfulness in Statements to Others
- Rule 4.2: Communication with Person Represented by Counsel
- Rule 4.3: Dealing with Unrepresented Person
- Rule 4.4: Respect for Rights of Third Persons
PART 5. LAW FIRMS AND ASSOCIATIONS
- Rule 5.1: Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers
- Rule 5.2: Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer
- Rule 5.3: Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
- Rule 5.4: Professional Independence of a Lawyer
- Rule 5.5: Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law
- Rule 5.6: Restrictions on Right to Practice
- Rule 5.7: Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services
PART 6. PUBLIC SERVICE
- Rule 6.1: Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service
- Rule 6.2: Accepting Appointments
- Rule 6.3: Membership in Legal Services Organization
- Rule 6.4: Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests
- Rule 6.5: Nonprofit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs
PART 7. INFORMATION ABOUT LEGAL SERVICES
- Rule 7.1: Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services
- Rule 7.2: Advertising
- Rule 7.3: Direct Contact with Prospective Clients
- Rule 7.4: Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization
- Rule 7.5: Firm Names and Letterheads
- Rule 7.6: Political Contributions to Obtain Government Legal Engagements or Appointments by Judges