Ethics Resources
The Ethics Division staffed by Ethics Counsel and a Paralegal/Investigator provides ethics advice to Alabama lawyers about their own future conduct, releases ethics opinions, and creates and presents various CLE seminars. The Ethics Division does not handle lawyer discipline. Attorney-client disputes and allegations of misconduct are resolved through the Disciplinary Division.
Formal and Informal Ethics Opinions
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 calling the Ethics Helpline 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. More information can be found on our Ethics Helpline page.
Code of Professional Courtesy
Lawyers' Creed
To my clients,
I offer faithfulness, competence, diligence and good judgment. I will strive to represent you as I would want to be represented and to be worthy of your trust.
To the opposing parties and their counsel, I offer fairness, integrity and civility. I will seek reconciliation and, if we fail, I will strive to make our dispute a dignified one.
To the courts, and other tribunals, and to those who assist them, I offer respect, candor and courtesy. I will strive to do honor to the search for justice.
To my colleagues in the practice of law, I offer concern for your welfare. I will strive to make our association a professional friendship.
To the profession, I offer assistance. I will strive to keep our business a profession and our profession a calling in the spirit of public service.
To the public and our systems of justice, I offer service. I will strive to improve the law and our legal system, to make the law and our legal system available to all, and to seek the common good through the representation of my clients.
(Approved by the Alabama Board of Bar Commissioners 4/10/92)