TEXAS LAWYERS CREED

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. I must therefore abide by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, but I know that professionalism requires more than merely avoiding the violation of laws and rules. I am committed to this creed for no other reason than it is right.

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 am passionately proud of my profession. Therefore, "My word is my bond." 
• I am responsible to assure that all persons have access to competent representation regardless of wealth or position in life. 
• I commit myself to an adequate and effective pro bono program. 
• I am obligated to educate my clients, the public, and other lawyers regarding the spirit and letter of this Creed.
• I will always be conscious of my duty to the judicial system.

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 will advise my client of the contents of this creed when undertaking representation.
• I will endeavor to achieve my client's lawful objectives in legal transactions and in litigation as quickly and economically as possible.
• I will be loyal and committed to my client's lawful objectives, but I will not permit that loyalty and commitment to interfere with my duty to provide objective and independent advice. 
• I will advise my client that civility and courtesy are expected and are not a sign of weakness. 
• I will advise my client of proper and expected behavior. 
• I will treat adverse parties and witnesses with fairness and due consideration. A client has no right to demand that I abuse anyone or indulge in any offensive conduct. 
• I will advise my client that we will not pursue conduct which is intended primarily to harass or drain the financial resources of the opposing party. 
• I will advise my client that we will not pursue tactics which are intended primarily for delay. 
• I will advise my client that we will not pursue any course of action which is without merit. 
• I will advise my client that I reserve the right to determine whether to grant accommodations to opposing counsel in all matters that do not adversely affect my client's lawful objectives. A client has no right to instruct me to refuse reasonable requests made by other counsel.
• I will advise my client regarding the availability of mediation, arbitration, and other alternative methods of resolving and setting disputes.

To read the entire lawyer's creed, follow this link: Texas Lawyer’s Creed