Res 2023-059/approving the selection of Attorney Bradford E. Bullock of Messer Fort & McDonald PLLC, as

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TEXAS LAWYER'S CREED THE TEXAS LAWYER'S CREED—A MANDATE FOR PROFESSIONALISM I am a lawyer. I am entrusted by the People of Texas to preserve and improve our legal system. I am licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas. I must therefore abide by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct,but I know that professionalism requires more than merely avoiding the violation of laws and rules. I am committed to this creed for no other reason than it is right. I. OUR LEGAL SYSTEM 7. I will advise my client that we will not A lawyer owes to the administration of justice pursue conduct which is intended primarily to harass personal dignity, integrity, and independence. A or drain the financial resources of the opposing party. lawyer should always adhere to the highest principles 8. I will advise my client that we will not of professionalism. pursue tactics which are intended primarily for delay. 1. 1 am passionately proud of my profession. 9. I will advise my client that we will not Therefore,"My word is my bond." pursue any course of action which is without merit. 2. 1 am responsible to assure that all persons 10. I will advise my client that I reserve the have access to competent representation regardless of right to detennine whether to grant accommodations wealth or position in life. to opposing counsel in all matters that do not 3. I commit myself to an adequate and adversely affect my client's lawful objectives. A effective pro bono program. client has no right to instruct me to refuse reasonable 4. I am obligated to educate my clients, the requests made by other counsel. public, and other lawyers regarding the spirit and 11. 1 will advise my client regarding the letter of this Creed. availability of mediation, arbitration, and other 5. I will always be conscious of my duty to alternative methods of resolving and settling disputes. the judicial system. III. LAWYER TO LAWYER 11.LAWYER TO CLIENT A lawyer owes to opposing counsel, in the A lawyer owes to a client allegiance, learning, conduct of legal transactions and the pursuit of skill, and industry. A lawyer shall employ all litigation, courtesy, candor, cooperation, and appropriate legal means to protect and advance the scrupulous observance of all agreements and mutual client's legitimate rights, claims, and objectives. A understandings. Ill feelings between clients shall not lawyer shall not be deterred by any real or imagined influence a lawyer's conduct, attitude, or demeanor fear of judicial disfavor or public unpopularity,nor be toward opposing counsel. A lawyer shall not engage influenced by mere self-interest. in unprofessional conduct in retaliation against other 1. I will advise my client of the contents of unprofessional conduct. this creed when undertaking representation. 1. I will be courteous, civil, and prompt in 2. I will endeavor to achieve my client's oral and written communications. lawful objectives in legal transactions and in litigation 2. I will not quarrel over matters of form or as quickly and economically as possible. style,but I will concentrate on matters of substance. 3. I will be loyal and committed to my 3. 1 will identify for other counsel or parties client's lawful objectives, but I will not permit that all changes I have made in documents submitted for loyalty and commitment to interfere with my duty to review. provide objective and independent advice. 4. I will attempt to prepare documents which 4. I will advise my client that civility and correctly reflect the agreement of the parties. I will courtesy are expected and are not a sign of weakness. not include provisions which have not been agreed 5. 1 will advise my client of proper and upon or omit provisions which are necessary to reflect expected behavior. the agreement of the parties. 6. 1 will treat adverse parties and witnesses 5. 1 will notify opposing counsel, and, if with fairness and due consideration. A client has no appropriate, the Court or other persons, as soon as right to demand that I abuse anyone or indulge in any practicable, when hearings, depositions, meetings, offensive conduct. conferences or closings are cancelled.