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THE TEXAS LA WYER'S CREED - A MANDATE FOR PROFESSIONALISM Adopted November 7. ]989 ORDER OF ADOPTION The conduct of a lawyer should be characterized at all times by honesty, candor. and faimess. In fulfilling his or her primary duty to a client, a lawyer must be ever mindful of the profession's broader duty to the legal system. The Supreme Court of Texas and the Court of Criminal Appeals are committed to eliminating a practice in our State by a minority of lawyers of abusive tactics which have surfaced in many parts of our country. We believe such tactics are a disservice to our citizens, haI111ful to clients, and demeaning to our profession. The abusive tactics range from lack of civility to outright hostility and obstructionism. Such behavior does not serve justice but tends to delay and often deny justice. The lawyers who use abusive tactics instead of being part of the solution have become part of the problem. The desire for respect and confidence by lawyers from the public should provide the members of our profession with the necessary incentive to attain the highest degree of ethical and professional conduct. These rules are primarily aspirational. Compliance with the rules depends primarily upon understanding and voluntary compliance, secondarily upon re-enforcement by peer pressure and public opinion, and finally when necessary by enforcement by the courts through their inherent powers and rules already in existence. These standards are not a set of rules that lawyers can use and abuse to incite ancillary litigation or arguments over whether or not they have been observed. We must always he mindful that the practice oflaw is a profession. As members ofa learned art we pursue a common calling in the spirit of public service We have a proud tradition. Throughout the history of our nation, the members of our citizenry have looked to the ranks of our profession for leadership and guidance. Let us now as a profession each rededicate ourselves to practice law so we can restore public confidence in our profession, faithfully serve our clients, and fulfill our responsibility to the legal system. The Supreme Court of Texas and the Court of Criminal Appeals hereby promulgate and adopt "The Texas Lawyer's CreednA Mandate for Professionalism" as attached hereto and made a part hereof. In Chambers, this 7th day of November, 1989. 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. 1 must therefore abide by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, but I know that professionalism requires more than mcrely 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 A lawyer owes to the administration of justice personal dignity, integrity, and independence. A lawyer should always adhere to the highest principles of professionalism. I. I am passionatcly proud of my profession. Therefore, "My word is my bond." 2. I am responsible to assure that all persons have access to competent representation regardless of wealth or position in life. 3 I commit myself to an adequate and effective pro bono program. 4. I am obligated to educate my clients, the public, and other lawyers regarding the spirit and letter of this Creed. 5 I will always be conscious of my duty to the judicial system. II. LAWYER TO CLIENT A lawyer owes to a client allegiance, learning, skill, and industry. A lawyer shall employ all appropriate legal means to protect and advance the client's legitimate rights, claims, and objectives. A lawyer shall not be deterred by any real or imagined fear of judicial disfavor or public unpopularity, nor be influenced by mere self-interest. I . I will advise my client of the contents of this creed when undertaking representation. 2. I will endeavor to achieve my client's lawful objectives in legal transactions and in litigation as quickly and economically as possible. 3. I will be loyal and committed to my c1ient's lawful objectives, but I will not permit that loyalty and commitment to interfere with my