IBA Standards of Professionalism

          To foster continued respect and trust among lawyers, the judiciary, and the public, to promote the fair and efficient resolution of disputes, to simplify transactions and to make the practice of law more enjoyable and satisfying, the Indianapolis Bar Association adopts the following Standards of Professionalism:

STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONALISM

Professionalism: Commitment, character, competence, courtesy in client advocacy, and community involvement.

I.  Commitment

We are committed to practicing law in a manner that maintains and fosters public confidence in our profession, faithfully serves our clients, and fulfills our responsibilities to the legal system.

We are committed to the rule of law, the judicial system and the legal profession as the foundation for a just and peaceful society. 
                                                            
We are committed to promoting access to justice for all people.

We are committed to developing and preserving the ideals of integrity, honesty, competence, fairness, and devotion to the public interest within the legal profession.

We are committed to fostering respect for diversity and the promotion of equal opportunity in the judicial system, the legal profession and our daily practice.

We are committed to the highest standards of professionalism and to practicing law in a manner consistent with such standards.

We are committed to demonstrating respect for the law, preserving its decorum, dignity, and independence, and promoting effectiveness and efficiency in the administration of justice in all aspects of our practice.

We are committed to representing our clients zealously within the bounds of the law and ethical standards and to protecting and advancing their legitimate interests vigorously and responsibly while at all times remaining mindful of our obligations to the administration of justice.

II. Character

We will strictly adhere to the spirit as well as the letter of the Rules of Professional Conduct and will at all times be guided by a fundamental sense of honor, integrity and fair play.

Our word will always be our bond.

We recognize that our actions and our demeanor reflect upon our system of justice and our profession.

            We will exercise independent judgment and should not be governed by a client’s ill will or deceit toward other lawyers, judges or parties.

          We will not permit business concerns to undermine or corrupt our professional obligations.

We will not knowingly misstate, distort or exaggerate any fact or opinion for any improper purpose.

                  We will not attribute to parties, other counsel or the court improper motives, purpose or conduct without an adequate factual basis.

We will honor all promises and commitments to clients, other lawyers and the court.

III.    Competence

          We will conduct ourselves to assure the just, economical and efficient resolution of every matter entrusted to us consistent with thoroughness and professional preparation.

We will strive to expand our knowledge of the law and to achieve and maintain proficiency in our areas of practice.

We will provide competent representation to a client.  This requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation.  When necessary, we will associate with or refer a client to counsel knowledgeable in other areas of practice.

We will counsel the client to act with fundamental honesty, candor and fairness.

We will provide the client with objective evaluation and advice without purposefully understating or overstating achievable results or otherwise creating unrealistic expectations.

IV.    COURTESY

          We will at all times act with dignity, civility, decency and courtesy in all professional activities and will refrain from rude, disruptive, disrespectful, obstructive and abusive behavior.

          We will treat clients, counsel, parties, witnesses and the court with respect, courtesy, candor and cooperation.
                                                         
          We understand, and will impress upon our clients, that reasonable people can disagree without being disagreeable, and that effective representation does not require, and in fact is impaired by, conduct which objectively can be characterized as uncivil, rude, abrasive, abusive, hostile, vulgar, antagonistic, obstructive or obnoxious.  Such conduct tends to delay and often to deny justice.  Ill feelings between clients will not dictate or influence our attitude, demeanor, behavior or conduct.
                                                         
          We will be diligent and punctual in communicating with others and fulfilling commitments.

          We will accede to all reasonable requests for scheduling, rescheduling, cancellations, extensions and postponements that do not prejudice our client’s opportunity for a full and fair consideration and resolution of the client’s matter.

We will serve as models and mentors for emerging and new members of our profession and, in so doing, exemplify these standards.

We will counsel and encourage other lawyers to abide by these standards of professionalism.

V.  COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

          We recognize that the practice is a learned profession to be conducted with dignity, integrity and honor dedicated to the service of clients and the public good.

          We will contribute the skill, knowledge and influence gained as a lawyer to the furtherance of civic responsibility and the public good.

          We will donate legal services to persons unable to afford those services.

          We are aware of the need to enhance the image of the legal profession in the eyes of the public and will support programs and activities that educate the public about the law and the legal system.