Texas Lawyers Creed
A Mandate for Professionalism
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.
II. Lawyer to Client
A lawyer owes to a client allegiance, learning, skill, and industry. A lawyer shall employ all appropriate means to protect and advance the client’s legitimate rights, claims, and objectives. A lawyer shall not neglect a client’s matter or allow it to be neglected.
A lawyer shall advise a client against pursuing a matter that is unwarranted under existing law or cannot be supported by good faith argument for extension, modification, or reversal of existing law.
A lawyer shall not accept or continue employment in a legal matter which the lawyer knows or should know is criminal or fraudulent.
A lawyer shall not intentionally mislead a client about the status or prospects of a case.
A lawyer shall honor the client’s decisions concerning the objectives of representation and shall consult with the client as to the means by which they are to be pursued.
III. Lawyer to Lawyer
A lawyer owes to opposing counsel courtesy, candor, cooperation, and scrupulous observance of agreements and understandings.
A lawyer shall remain professional regardless of client disputes, be punctual, and make good faith efforts to coordinate scheduling.
A lawyer shall not engage in conduct intended to delay, burden, or gain unfair advantage, nor seek sanctions unless necessary to protect a client’s lawful objectives.
IV. Lawyer to Judge
A lawyer owes the judiciary candor, diligence, and respect.
A lawyer shall not misrepresent facts or law and shall not attempt to improperly influence the court.
V. A Lawyer's Responsibilities
A lawyer shall be guided by honor, integrity, and fairness.
A lawyer shall remember the practice of law is a profession, not just a business, and conduct themselves with courtesy and civility while pursuing client objectives efficiently.
Conclusion
This Creed is intended as a guide for professional conduct and not as a basis for discipline.
