CODE OF PROFESSIONAL COURTESY Adopted May 9, 1986 As a member of the Pulaski COWlty Bar Association, I hold these truths to be evidence of my conduct as a lawyer and my respect for the law: 1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9.
10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
I adhere to the rule of the law to govern my entire conduct and I acknowledge that the law is above me. I will not attempt to violate it or place myself above the law. Representing my client in a professional manner is my first obligation. I will familiarize myself with the Rules of Professional Conduct and try my best to observe it in my daily practice. I wiU conduct myself as a lady or gentleman and live my personal and professional life by the Golden Rule to do unto others as I would want them to do to me. I will be honest with myself. Practicing law is an ongoing, intellectual pursuit in which I intend to advance at every opportunity. My word is my bond. When each adversary proceeding ends, r will shake hands with my fellow lawyer who is my adversary; and if [lose, [will refrain from wmecessary condemnation of the Court, my adversary, or his client. I recognize that procedural rules are necessary as a last resort to order and decorum, therefore, if my adversary is entitled to something, it should be provided without motions, briefs, hearings and other formalities. If something is a fact, it should be stipulated in writing without requests for admission, interrogatories, witnesses and documents. Vigorous advocacy is not inconsistent witll professional courtesy. I will stay above the belt. Even though antagonism may be expected by clients, it is not part of my duty to my client. A lawyer is not called (or licensed) to be obnoxious. Ordinarily I will not notice a deposition Wltil an effort has been made to set it by agreement. I recognize that adversaries should communicate to avoid litigation and remember their obligation to be courteous to each other. I will strive to take and return lawyer's telephone calls as soon as possible. I recognize that advocacy does not include harassment. [recognize that advocacy does not include needless delay. [will be ever mindful that any motion, trial, court appearance, deposition, pleading or legal teclmicality costs someone time and money. I believe that only attorneys, and not secretaries, paralegals, or other non-lawyers, should communicate with a Judge or appear before the Judge on substantive matters. r will stand to address the Court. I have the responsibility to advise my client appearing in the courtroom of the kind of behavior expected of hinl (i.e. , no chewing gum, no sWlglasses, proper attire, etc.). When in the courthouse, [will dress appropriately to show my respect for the Court and the law. I will always be punctual, or sufficiently in advance of the appointed time, so that prelinlinary matters may be d.isposed of in order to start the meeting, trial, hearing or conference on time. I recognize that a lawyer should not become too closely associated with his client's activities, or emotionally involved with his client. I am thankful for the ability and my opportunity to be a lawyer. I appreciate the respect, trust and friendship which other lawyers have given me, and I will act at all times to preserve tlle mutual feeling of camaraderie among lawyers which exists in this Bar, because without it my clients and I suffer.
18 ARKANSAS LAWYER
SPRING 1994