Setting the “Bar” Higher
Professionalism, Ethics and Respect Never Go Out of Style

Attorneys are required to strive to make the system of justice work fairly and efficiently. In carrying out that responsibility, attorneys are expected to comply with the letter and spirit of the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted by the Alabama Supreme Court. As the Alabama State Bar membership increases, it becomes more important to articulate our ideals of professionalism and to emulate such ideals by deed. The ASB is committed to reinforcing and communicating the ideals of lawyer professionalism among our members.

Therefore, we believe it is important for all lawyers to read and adhere to the following:

In April 1992, the Alabama State Bar's Board of Bar Commissioners adopted the Code of Professional Courtesy, and the Lawyer's Creed to guide all lawyers in their comportment and treatment of fellow lawyers and the judiciary. The Code has since been incorporated into the Pledge of Professionalism and is intended as a guideline for lawyers in their dealings with their clients, opposing parties and their counsel, the courts and the general public. This pledge is intended to serve as the ASB's statement of principles and goals for professionalism among lawyers. We encourage all members of the bar to publicly affirm and certify their personal commitment to the highest ideals of professionalism and civility in the profession by signing the Pledge. We also believe the Code of Pretrial and Trial Conduct published by the American College of Trial Lawyers is worthy of note because it represents an important part of the execution of the college's mandate to improve and elevate standards of trial practice, the administration of justice and the ethics of the profession.

Lawyers who are willing to meet the challenges of practicing law by incorporating the ideals of professionalism will earn for themselves the highest respect within their profession.

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