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Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct

[This edition compiled by the LII editors reflects the rules effective February 1, 2007.]


Table of Contents

  • Preamble: A Lawyer’s Responsibilities; Scope
  • 1.0: Terminology

Client-Lawyer Relationship

  • 1.1: Competence
  • 1.2: Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and Lawyer
  • 1.3: Diligence
  • 1.4: Communication
  • 1.5: Fees and Expenses
  • 1.6: Confidentiality of Information
  • 1.7: Conflict of Interest: Current Clients
  • 1.8: Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules
  • 1.9: Duties to Former Clients
  • 1.10: Imputation of Conflicts of Interest: General Rule
  • 1.11: Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees
  • 1.12: Former Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator, or Other Third-Party Neutral
  • 1.13: Organization as Client
  • 1.14: Client with Diminished Capacity
  • 1.15: Safekeeping Funds and Property
  • 1.16: Declining or Terminating Representation
  • 1.17: Sale of Law Practice
  • 1.18: Duties to Prospective Client

Counselor

  • 2.1: Advisor
  • 2.2
  • [Reserved for future use; no corresponding ABA Model Rule]
  • 2.3: Evaluation for Use by Third Persons
  • 2.4: Lawyer Serving as Arbitrator, Mediator, or Third-Party Neutral

Advocate

  • 3.1: Meritorious Claims and Contentions
  • 3.2: Expediting Litigation [Not Adopted; See Note]
  • 3.3: Candor toward the Tribunal
  • 3.4: Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel
  • 3.5: Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
  • 3.6: Trial Publicity
  • 3.7: Lawyer as Witness
  • 3.8: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
  • 3.9: Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings

Transactions with Persons Other Than Clients

  • 4.1: Truthfulness in Statements to Others
  • 4.2: Communication with Person Represented by Counsel
  • 4.3: Dealing with Unrepresented Person
  • 4.4: Respect for Rights of Third Persons

Law Firms and Associations

  • 5.1: Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers
  • 5.2: Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer
  • 5.3: Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
  • 5.4: Professional Independence of a Lawyer
  • 5.5: Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law
  • 5.6: Restrictions on Right to Practice
  • 5.7: Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services

Public Service

  • 6.1: Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service [Action Deferred; See Note]
  • 6.2: Accepting Appointments
  • 6.3: Membership in Legal Services Organization [Not Adopted; See Note]
  • 6.4: Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests [Not Adopted; See Note]
  • 6.5: Nonprofit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs

Information About Legal Services

  • 7.1: Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services
  • 7.2: Advertising and Recommendation of Professional Employment
  • 7.3: Direct Contact with Prospective Clients
  • 7.4: Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization
  • 7.5: Firm Names and Letterheads
  • 7.6: Political Contributions to Obtain Government Legal Engagements or Appointments by Judges [Not Adopted; See Note]

Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession

  • 8.1: Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters
  • 8.2: Judicial Officials
  • 8.3: Reporting Professional Misconduct
  • 8.4: Misconduct
  • 8.5: Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law
  • Form of Citation, Effective Date, and Application