Ethics

A library of ASB Office of General Counsel Formal Advisory Ethics Opinions is available on the Alabama Bar website. You can search these opinions by number, year issued, ethical rule, subject matter, or keyword. Formal ethics opinions are issued by the Disciplinary Commission to assist members in interpreting their ethical obligations in specific circumstances. Formal opinions are the result of study and analysis in response to requests from members.

Informal ethics opinions are provided by phone and only to the attorney requesting the opinion. These opinions are not published. Such opinions can help members analyze a situation involving their own prospective conduct, apply the proper rules and reach an ethically sound decision. Calls requesting this kind of opinion are confidential and any advice given is intended for the education of the inquirer and does not represent the official position of the Alabama State Bar. For more information, call (334) 269-1515 ext. 2196.

The Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program through volunteers on its Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee, provides immediate and continuing confidential help to lawyers, judges and law students who suffer from addictions and other types of mental health disorders. ALAP is committed to ensuring that members in need are given access to help. ALAP provides guidance and support to assist lawyers in dealing with a potential­ly fatal condition so that through recovery they may return to happy and productive lives. Services are strictly confidential. The sole aim of the program is to help lawyers recover.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with stress or depression or need help for an addiction problem for yourself or someone you know, please call. For information on ALAP’s free and confidential services, call 334-834-7576 or the 24-hour help line at (334) 224-6920.

Trust Accounting for Alabama Attorneys is a handbook designed to provide a general overview and answer commonly asked questions about IOLTA trust accounts, as well as provide information on how to set up a trust account and establish proper bookkeeping procedures. For more information call (334) 269-1515 or email pmap@alabar.org.

The Client Keeper Handbook is a nuts and bolts resource guide to assist attorneys in improving client relations and minimizing the likelihood of claims for legal malpractice and complaints alleging violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct by helping you to establish quick, consistent , and easy to use systems for exchanging information with clients.  This handbook also contains information on fee agreements and file maintenance, closing and destruction procedures. For more information call (334) 269-1515 or email pmap@alabar.org.