Case Title: In re Attorney Oath of Admission

Citation: 2012 Ark. 82

Docket Number: 

State: arkansas

Court: Arkansas Supreme Court

Date: 2012-02-23T00:00:00Z

Document:
Cite as 2012 Ark. 82 SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS IN RE ATTORNEY OATH OF ADMISSION Opinion Delivered February 23,2012 PER CURIAM Today, we revise the Attorney Oath of Admission to add a pledge of civility. We thank Arkansas members of the American Board of Trial Advocates who requested that the supreme court consider this issue and provided information of similar actions by other courts around the country. Recognizing the importance of respectful and civil conduct in the practice of law, the Arkansas Supreme Court is pleased to join this movement and add the following paragraphs to the oath: “I will maintain the respect and courtesy due to courts of justice, judicial officers, and those who assist them.” “To opposing parties and their counsel, I pledge fairness, integrity, and civility, not only in court, but also in all written and oral communications.” We adopt the Attorney Oath of Admission set out below. The oath is not currently included in the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar, and we believe that it should be a part of the rules. Accordingly, we are amending Rule (VII) to add the Attorney Oath of Admission as a new subsection (G). This amendment is effective immediately. Cite as 2012 Ark. 82 Arkansas Rules Governing Admission to the Bar Rule VII. Application for license. . . . G. ATTORNEY OATH OF ADMISSION. The following oath shall be administered to and signed by members of the Arkansas Bar: State of Arkansas ) In the Supreme Court ) To the Honorable, the Supreme Court of Arkansas: Your petitioner prays to be licensed as an Attorney-at-Law. I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM: I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas, and I will faithfully perform the duties of attorney at law. I will maintain the respect and courtesy due to courts of justice, judicial officers, and those who assist them. I will, to the best of my ability, abide by the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct and any other standards of ethics proclaimed by the courts, and in doubtful cases I will attempt to abide by the spirit of those ethical rules and precepts of honor and fair play. To opposing parties and their counsel, I pledge fairness, integrity, and civility, not only in court, but also in all written and oral communications. I will not reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the impoverished, the defenseless, or the oppressed. 2 Cite as 2012 Ark. 82 I will endeavor always to advance the cause of justice and to defend and to keep inviolate the rights of all persons whose trust is conferred upon me as an attorney at law. ___________________________________ ATTORNEY’S SIGNATURE Sworn to and subscribed before me this _______day of__________________, 2______. ____________________________________________ OFFICIAL AUTHORIZED TO ADMINISTER OATH 3