Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (new)

Section 1

A lawyer shall provide legal service that is competent, efficient, and conscientious. A lawyer shall be thorough in research, preparation, and application of the legal knowledge and skills necessary for an engagement. (18.02a)

Section 2

A lawyer shall only undertake legal services he or she can deliver. With the prior written consent of the client, a lawyer may secure the services of a collaborating counsel. (18.01a)

Section 3

A lawyer shall diligently and seasonably act on any legal matter entrusted by a client. (18.03a) A lawyer shall be punctual in all appearances, submissions of pleadings and documents before any court, tribunal or other government agency, and all matters professionally referred by the client, including meetings and other commitments. (11.02a) SETION 4. Diligence in all undertakings. — A lawyer shall observe diligence in all professional undertakings, and shall not cause or occasion delay in any legal matter before any court, tribunal, or other agency. (12.04a) A lawyer shall appear for trial adequately familiar with the law, the facts of the case, and the evidence to be presented. A lawyer shall also be ready with the object and documentary evidence, as well as the judicial affidavits of the witnesses, when required by the rules or the court. (12.01a)

Section 5

A lawyer shall, after reasonable inquiry, promptly give an objective assessment of the merits and probable results of the client's case. (15.05a) A lawyer shall explain the viable options to the client to enable an informed decision regarding the matter. (n)

Section 6

A lawyer shall regularly inform the client of the status and the result of the matter undertaken, and any action in connection thereto, and shall respond within a reasonable time to the client's request for information. (18.04a)

Section 7

A lawyer shall avoid asking for an extension of time to file any pleading, motion, or other court submission, except when allowed by the Rules of Court or for good cause. When an extension is obtained, the lawyer shall not let the period lapse without submitting the pleading, motion, or other court submission, except upon the client's decision not to pursue the case any further or for other justifiable cause. (12.03a)

Section 8

A competent lawyer engages in lifelong learning through the continued development of professional skills. (5a)

Section 9

A lawyer who is engaged in another profession or occupation concurrently with the practice of law shall expressly provide in the pertinent contract the nature of the services the lawyer is engaged to perform. (15.08a) The practice of another profession or occupation shall not jeopardize such lawyer's competence, integrity, probity, and independence in rendering legal services. (n)

Section 10

A lawyer who is engaged in business or other non-legal profession shall likewise observe the ethical duties and responsibilities of a lawyer under the CPRA.(n) Every lawyer shall adhere to the principle of equality and hold firmly the belief that every person, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, color, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, disability, age, marital status, social or economic status, and other like circumstances, has the fundamental right to equal treatment and representation. As such, the lawyer shall accord equal respect, attention, dedication and zeal in advancing the client's cause, regardless of personal opinion, religious or political beliefs pertaining on the personal circumstances of the client, except for justifiable reasons. (n)