LP Model Rules

1.1 - Competence

A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation

1.2 - Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and Lawyer

Clients decide the goals; lawyers figure out how to get there. Lawyers can’t help with crimes or fraud, even if the client asks

1.3 - Diligence

A lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client.

1.4 - Communications

Lawyers must keep clients informed and explain things clearly so the client can make informed decisions

1.5 - Fees

Fees must be reasonable and consider factors such as time and labor, nature and length of the professional relationship and experience/reputation of the lawyer. Further, lawyers must explain how they charge, preferably in writing

1.6 - Confidentiality

Lawyers must keep client information secret and can reveal it only in limited situations, like preventing reasonably certain substantial harm or crimes

1.7 - Conflict of Interests: Current Clients

Lawyer can’t represent two current clients if interests clash or loyalty is split. To represent, the conflict must be reasonable and all affected clients give informed, written consent

1.9 - Duties to Former Clients

A lawyer may not represent a new client against a former client in the same or substantially related matter without informed consent. Confidential information from the prior representation may not be used or revealed.

1.10 - Imputation of Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of one lawyer are generally imputed to the entire firm. Screening and notice can allow representation in limited circumstances.

1.11 - Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees

Former government lawyers may not work on matters they were personally and substantially involved in unless the government consents. Firms may continue representation if proper screening and notice occur

1.13 - Organization as Client

The lawyer represents the organization, not its individual employees. If management engages in illegal actions harmful to the organization, the lawyer must act in the organization’s best interest, including reporting up the ladder.

1.14 - Client with Decision-Making Limitations

When the lawyer reasonably believes that the client has diminished capacity, the lawyer may take reasonably necessary protective action

1.16 - Declining or Terminating Representation

Lawyer must withdraw if representation violates the law/professional conduct or if the lawyer is impaired. Permissive withdrawal is allowed for good cause, including client misconduct or unreasonable financial burden

1.18 - Duties to Prospective Client

Prospective clients are owed confidentiality even if no relationship forms. Lawyers may be barred from adverse representation if they received significantly harmful information unless screening applies.

2.1 - Advisor

Lawyers must use independent professional judgment and provide candid advice. Advice may include moral, economic, and social considerations, not just legal analysis.

3.1 - Meritorious Claims and Contentions

Lawyers may not bring or defend frivolous claims. Claims must have a basis in law and fact, even if seeking a good‑faith change in the law.

3.3 - Candor toward the Tribunal

A lawyer must not make false statements or offer false evidence. If false evidence is presented, the lawyer must take remedial steps, potentially including disclosure.

3.4 - Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel

Lawyers may not obstruct evidence, falsify evidence, or disobey court rules. Frivolous discovery abuse is prohibited.

3.8 - Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor

Prosecutors must only charge cases supported by probable cause and disclose exculpatory evidence. They must avoid prejudicial extrajudicial statements.

4.1 - Truthfulness in Statements to Others

Lawyer must not make a false statement of a material fact or law to a third person; or fail to disclose a material fact when disclosure is necessary to avoid assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by a client

4.2 - Communication with Person Represented by Counsel

Lawyers may not communicate about the matter with a represented person without consent or legal authorization.

4.4 - Respect for Rights of Third Persons

Lawyers who receive inadvertently sent documents must promptly notify the sender. A lawyer shouldn’t use means that have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass a third person or violate their legal rights

5.1 - Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers

Partners and supervisors must ensure reasonable measures exist for firm compliance with ethical rules.

5.2 - Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer

Subordinate lawyers are bound by ethical rules but may rely on reasonable supervisory resolutions of close ethics questions.

5.4 - Professional Independence of a Lawyer

Lawyers may not share legal fees with non‑lawyers or allow non‑lawyers to direct legal judgment.

5.5 - Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law

Lawyers may not practice where they are not admitted, except in limited temporary or related circumstances.

6.1 - Voluntary Pro Bono Public Service

Lawyers should aspire to provide at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services annually. Financial contributions to legal aid organizations are encouraged.

6.3 - Membership in Legal Services Organization

Lawyers may serve in legal services organizations despite adverse interests unless participation creates a conflict of interest or harms representation.

7.1 - Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services

A lawyer can’t make a false or misleading communication about their services. A communication is false or misleading if it contains a material misrepresentation of fact or law, or omits a fact necessary to make the statement considered as a whole not materially misleading

7.2 - Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services: Specific Rules

Lawyers may advertise through various media as long as communications comply with ethical rules.

7.3 - Solicitation of Clients

Live solicitation for pecuniary gain is prohibited unless a close or professional relationship exists. Written solicitations must be labeled as advertising.

8.3 - Reporting Professional Misconduct

Lawyers must report serious ethical violations by lawyers or judges unless confidentiality applies.

8.4 - Misconduct

Professional misconduct includes dishonesty, criminal acts affecting fitness, prejudice to justice, corruption, or harassment and discrimination.

8.5 - Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law

Lawyers are subject to disciplinary authority where they practice and where conduct occurs. Choice‑of‑law rules determine which jurisdiction’s rules apply.