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THE TEXAS LAWYER'S CREED- A MANDATE FOR PROFESSIONALISM AdopredNo_1.1989 ORDER OF ADOPTION The canducl of a lawyer should be characrerized at all times by hmesty, candll", and fairness. In fulfilling his or her priTlllll)' duly 10 · client, B lawyer must be ever mindful of the profession's broader duty 10 Ihe legal sysIan. The Supreme Court of Texas and the Court of Criminal Appeals are committed to eliminating a pJ3l:t.ce in our Srale by . minorll)' of lawyers of abusive Iactics which have surfaced in mmy pans of oor counlly. We believe such IaCtics are . disservice 10 our citizcm, harmful to clienlS. and demeaning to our profession. The abusive tactics range from lack of civility lD outright hostilily and obstructionism. Such behavior does not serve ju!llice but tends to delay and often deny justice. The lawyers who use abusive tactics instead ofbeing pan of Ihe solution have become pBrt oflhe problem. The dcsire for n:spec! and confidence by lawyers from Ihe public should provide the ~ of our profession with the nllCessary incentive ID allain the highest degree of ethical and professional conduct. These rules an: prinmnly aspinltiooal. Compliance with the rules depends primsrily upon understanding and "Dlunlary ~liance, secondarily upm re-enfon:ement by peer pn:ssun: and public opinion, and finally when necessary by enfon:ement by !be courts through their inherent powm and rules .lready in existence. 1bese standards are not a set of rules th8llawyers can use and Bbuge ID incite ancillary litigation or argum:n1S over whether or notlbey have been observed. We must always be mindfullhatlhe pnlCtice of law is a profesoilll1. AJ members of a Jeamtrl art we punue a common calling in the spirit of public service. We have a proud lraditillll. Throughout the hi5Wry of our nation, the mcniIl:rs of our cilizl:nry have looked to the nmks of our profession for leadersbip and guidance. Ut us JI(JW IS . profession each rededicllll: oUnIClves ID pl1lCtice law so we can ralDn: public confidence in our profession. faithfuny serve our clienlS, and fulfill our responsibility lD the legalsysrem. The Supn:me Court of Teus and the Court of Criminal Appeals hereby promulgale and adopl "The Texas U1wycr'S Cn:ed-A Mllldllle for Professionalism" as allBChed hcrelO and made a pBrt hereof. In Chamber.;, this 7th day ofNomnber, 1989 THE TEXAS LAWYER-'S CREED-A MANDATE FOR PROFESSIONALISM I am a lawyer I am enlnlstcd by the Pcople of Texas lD preserve and improve our legal system. I am licensed by the Supreme Court or Texas. 1 must therefore abide by the Texas Discipli1Ull)' Rules of Professional Conduct. bull know thai professionalism nlquires more dum merely avoiding the violation of laws and rules. IlDIl conmil1ed 10 this creed for no other reason than il is righL L OUR LEGAL SYSTEM A lawyer owes ID the adminislr.ltion of justice perional dignity, inlegriLy, and independeru:c. A lawyer should always adha-e to the highest principles of professionalism I I am passionmly proud of my profession. Therefore, "My word is my bond." 2. 1 am responsible ID assure thai an persons have acce&li 10 competent representation regardless of wealth or position in life. 3. I commil my&elflll an ldequale and et'l'el:tive.j:Iro bono ~ 4.1 amobligalD:110 educale my cHenlS, the public, BIId other lawyers regarding the spirit and letb:r of this CRed. 5. I will always be conscious of my duly ID the judicial system. II. LA W\'ER TO CLIENT A 1a'\1l'je:f owes to a c1ienl alkg\antt, kammr.. s\till, and indIsstty. A lawyer shall ~Io,- an appmpnall: legal meIIns to pmIl!C\ and adYllllCC the c\ien~. 1egitimlle righlS, cl.ims. and objllClivC5. A lawyer &hall nOI be delerred by any real or imagintrl fear of judicial disfavor or pubtic unpopularity, nor be inlluenced by mere self-interest ]. I will advise my client oflhe conllml5 ofrhis creed \>tlen undenakingrep1e5el1t1tim. 2. I will endeavor ID achieve my clien~s lawful objectivC5 in legal uansaclions and in litigarion as quickly and economically as possible. J. I will ~ lay&! and commitw;\ m my c1imfs lawful obie<.li-.es, bul \ .....n not pamillhal ~Ity Il\d oommilmCllltO illletfere with my duty ID provide objective and independent advice.