Pennsylvania Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct

[This edition compiled by the LII editors reflects all amendments reported at the Pennsylvania Unified Court System Web site through June 1, 2002.]

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Introduction

• Preamble
• Scope
• Terminology

PART 1. CLIENT-LAWYER RELATIONSHIP

• Rule 1.1: Competence
• Rule 1.2: Scope and Objectives of Representation
• Rule 1.3: Diligence
• Rule 1.4: Communication
• Rule 1.5: Fees
• Rule 1.6: Confidentiality of Information
• Rule 1.7: Conflict of Interest: General Rule
• Rule 1.8: Conflict of Interest: Prohibited Transactions
• Rule 1.9: Conflict of Interest: Former Client
• Rule 1.10: Imputed Disqualification: General Rule
• Rule 1.11: Successive Government and Private Employment
• Rule 1.12: Former Judge or Arbitrator or Law Clerk
• Rule 1.13: Organization as Client
• Rule 1.14: Client Under a Disability
• Rule 1.15: Safekeeping Property
• Rule 1.16: Declining or Terminating Representation

PART 2. COUNSELOR

• Rule 2.1: Advisor
• Rule 2.2: Intermediary
• Rule 2.3: Evaluation for Use by Third Persons

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
• Rule 3.10: Issuance of Subpoenas to Lawyers

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 and Communicating with One of Adverse Interest
• Rule 4.4: Respect for Rights of Third Persons

PART 5. LAW FIRMS AND ASSOCIATIONS

• Rule 5.1: Responsibilities of a Partner or Supervisory Lawyer
• 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
• Rule 5.6: Restrictions on Right to Practice
• Rule 5.7: Responsibilities Regarding Nonlegal Service

PART 6. PUBLIC SERVICE

• Rule 6.1: Pro Bono Publico Service
• Rule 6.2: Accepting Appointments by a Tribunal
• Rule 6.3: Membership in Legal Services Organization
• Rule 6.4: Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests

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
• Rule 7.5: Firm Names and Letterheads
• Rule 7.6: Advertising a Certification
• Rule 7.7: Lawyer Referral Service

PART 8. MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY OF THE PROFESSION

• Rule 8.1: Bar Admission, Reinstatement, and Disciplinary Matters
• Rule 8.2: Statements Concerning Judicial and Other Adjudicatory Officers
• Rule 8.3: Reporting Professional Misconduct
• Rule 8.4: Misconduct
• Rule 8.5: Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law