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Standards Governing

Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Report to the Judicial Conference

Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules

Marie Leary

With the advice and assistance of

Bob Niemic & Melissa Deckman

Federal Judicial Center

March 1999
Contents

Summary 1

I. Introduction 4

II. Sources of Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in Bankruptcy Courts 5

A. Sources of Standards and the Impact of Changing District Court Rules 5

B. Bankruptcy Courts’ Use of Standards Other than Those in Local Rules 8

III. Type and Frequency of Attorney Conduct Issues in Bankruptcy 10

A. Frequency of Ten Specific Types of Attorney Conduct Issues 10

B. Frequency of “Other” Types of Attorney Conduct 12

IV. Adequacy of Standards Governing Attorney Conduct 15

A. Statutory Standards 15

B. Non-Statutory Standards 16

C. Conflict Between Statutory and Non-Statutory Standards 16

D. Bankruptcy-Specific Attorney Conduct Issues Not Adequately Addressed 17

V. Adequacy of Disclosure Standards Regarding Employment of Attorneys 17

VI. National Uniform Attorney Conduct Standards in Bankruptcy Courts 18

VII. Specific Suggestions for National Uniform Attorney Conduct Standards

in Bankruptcy Courts 19

A. Should There Be National Uniform Rules for Bankruptcy Courts on Certain

Topics? Should the Rules Be the Same for Bankruptcy and District Courts? 20

B. How Should Uniform Bankruptcy Rules Be Different From

Uniform District Court Rules? 22

C. Should National Uniform Bankruptcy and District Court Rules Be

Based on the ABA Model Rules? 24

D. Should a National Uniform Standard on Any Other Attorney

Conduct Issue Be Drafted for Use in Bankruptcy Courts? 25

VIII. General Comments 26

Appendices

Appendix A: Questionnaire for Chief Judges of United States Bankruptcy Courts

Appendix B: Questionnaire for Judges of United States Bankruptcy Courts

Appendix C: Comments Indicating Statutory Standards for Resolving Bankruptcy-Related Issues of

Attorney Conduct Were Not Adequate

Appendix D: Comments Indicating Non-Statutory Standards for Resolving Bankruptcy-Related Issues

of Attorney Conduct Were Not Adequate

Appendix E: Comments Reporting Problematic Inconsistencies between Statutory and Non-Statutory

Attorney Conduct Standards

Appendix F: Comments Reporting Bankruptcy-Specific Attorney Conduct Issues Not Covered by

Rules

Appendix G: Comments on Inadequate Requirements of Bankruptcy Rule 2014

Appendix H: Comments in Support of (and Opposed to) the Same Uniform Standards for Bankruptcy

and District Courts

Appendix I: Comments Explaining How a National Uniform Standard for Bankruptcy Courts on

Selected Attorney Conduct Issues Should Differ From That Applied to District Courts

Appendix J: Comments on Whether the National Uniform Standard for Bankruptcy and District

Courts Should Be Based on the Corresponding ABA Model Rule for the Specified Type

of Conduct or on a Different Standard

Appendix K: Comments from Judges Who Indicated that National Uniform Standards on Other

Attorney Conduct Issues Should Be Drafted for Use in All Bankruptcy Courts

Appendix L: General Comments
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

1

Summary

The Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure in

conjunction with the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules requested the Federal

Judicial Center to conduct a study of attorney conduct issues in the bankruptcy courts. In

December 1998, the Center sent 317 questionnaires to all chief bankruptcy judges

(including bankruptcy judges in districts with only one bankruptcy judge) and to all other

bankruptcy judges.*

1. Sources of Standards Governing Attorney Conduct

a. Source of Standards and the Impact of Changing District Court Rules

VIII. Forty-seven (61%) of the 77 responding chief bankruptcy judges said that

their courts follow the local rules of attorney conduct of their respective

federal district courts. Most bankruptcy courts do not have their own

independently developed set of local rules governing attorney conduct (only

7% of bankruptcy courts indicated that they do). Thus, proposed changes or

uniformity in district court attorney conduct rules could carry over to most of

the bankruptcy courts, even if the proposed changes are not directly aimed at

or applied to the bankruptcy courts. Nine percent of chief judge respondents

indicated that their courts have a local bankruptcy rule that adopts standards

other than those in the district court’s local rules, and 12% said they have no

local district or bankruptcy rule governing attorney conduct.

b. Bankruptcy Courts’ Use of Standards Other than Those in Local Rules

(1) Of the 53 responding chief bankruptcy judges in districts with some form of

attorney conduct standards, 60% (32) said they never use attorney conduct

standards other than the Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy

Practice, or the formal standards referred to in their local bankruptcy rules or

district court rules; 40% (21) indicated they did.

(2) When bankruptcy courts look outside their local rules and outside the

Bankruptcy Code and Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure for guidance,

most turn to state ethics rules.

2. Type and Frequency of Attorney Conduct Issues in Bankruptcy

a. Looking at responses to questions posed to all responding bankruptcy judges

(chief and non-chief), the majority of responding judges reported the occurrence

one or more times within the past two years of the five following types of attorney

conduct issues: (1) 11 U.S.C. § 327 or § 1103 governing representation of an

adverse interest or conflicts of interest (80% of 249 respondents); (2) other rules

 *

 We received responses to 251 of the 317 questionnaires mailed to all bankruptcy judges (excluding

recalled bankruptcy judges) (an overall response rate of 79%).
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

2

regarding conflicts of interest (70% of 249 respondents); (3) disclosure standards

regarding employment of attorneys (71% of 247 respondents); (4) rules regarding

attorneys’ fees (62% of 244 respondents); and (5) candor towards a tribunal (57%

of 248 responding judges).

b. The majority of responding judges indicated that each of the five following types

of attorney conduct issues had never arisen in the past two years. They are worth

noting, however, since the numbers of judges reporting one or more incidences

were not insignificant: (1) truthfulness in statements to others (45% of 247

respondents); (2) lawyer as a witness (37%); (3) communication with represented

person (30%); (4) confidentiality (19%); and (5) safekeeping of client property

(27%).

c. Other findings include:

• Only a very small group of attorney conduct issues arise in bankruptcy courts

with notable frequency.

• Responding bankruptcy judges were confronted with attorney conduct issues

involving statutory or bankruptcy-related standards more often than other

types of standards.

• The other types of attorney conduct issues prevalent in bankruptcy courts,

which may also arise in district court practice, often involve different concerns

in the context of bankruptcy court practice due to the unique characteristics of

such practice. These issues include conflict of interest issues analogous to

those covered by ABA Model Rules 1.7 through 1.11, attorneys’ fees, and

candor towards a tribunal.

• Thus, one can conclude from questionnaire responses that, if a set of core

national attorney conduct rules are drafted for use in district courts and are

carried over to bankruptcy courts without taking into consideration the

separate types of attorney conduct issues bankruptcy courts must decide upon,

bankruptcy courts will still look elsewhere for guidance on these issues.

3. Adequacy of Standards Governing Attorney Conduct

a. The majority of bankruptcy judges (75%) were satisfied with the statutory

standards that they use to resolve attorney conduct issues.

b. The majority of bankruptcy judges (88%) were satisfied with the non-statutory

standards that they use to resolve attorney conduct issues.

c. The majority of bankruptcy judges (88%) did not find any problematic

inconsistencies between their district’s statutory and non-statutory attorney

conduct standards.

d. The majority of bankruptcy judges (72%) said they had never encountered

attorney conduct issues that arose only in bankruptcy courts that were not covered

adequately by existing statutory or non-statutory standards.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

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4. Adequacy of Disclosure Standards Regarding Employment of Attorneys

a. Among 250 responding bankruptcy judges, 62% said they had experienced

problems with the adequacy of disclosure by attorneys seeking employment in

bankruptcy cases; 38% said they never experienced such problems.

b. Among the 153 responding bankruptcy judges who said they had experienced

such problems, 75% said that none of these problems were caused by inadequate

requirements for disclosure in Bankruptcy Rule 2014; 26% said the problems

were so caused.

5. National Uniform Attorney Conduct Standards in Bankruptcy Courts

a. Among 248 responding bankruptcy judges, 52% stated that attorney conduct in

bankruptcy courts should be governed by uniform standards; 27% said there

should not be uniform standards, while 21% answered they “can’t say.”

b. Assuming uniform standards are adopted by all district and bankruptcy courts,

among the 248 responding bankruptcy judges, 52% stated that the standards

applied in bankruptcy courts should be the same as those applied in district courts,

28% said they should not be, while 20% said they “can’t say.”

6. Specific Suggestions For National Uniform Attorney Conduct Standards in

Bankruptcy Courts

a. For each of nine specified types of attorney conduct, the majority (ranging from

60% to 64%) of responding judges said there should be a national uniform

standard in the bankruptcy courts, and the majority (ranging from 58% to 97%) of

respondents who said there should be such a national uniform standard also said

the standard should be the same in bankruptcy and district courts. The nine

specified types are: confidentiality of information, general rule on conflicts of

interest, conflict of interest concerning prohibited transactions, conflict of interest

concerning former client, rule on imputed disqualification, rule on candor towards

the tribunal, rule on lawyer as witness, rule on truthfulness in statements to others,

and rule on communications with person represented by counsel.

b. The majority of judges who indicated that the national uniform standard should be

the same for all bankruptcy and district courts said the national uniform standard

should be based on the corresponding ABA Model Rule.

c. Among 198 responding bankruptcy judges, 84% said that no additional attorney

conduct issues other than those already mentioned in the questionnaire should be

drafted as national uniform rules for use in all bankruptcy courts.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

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I. Introduction1

The Judicial Conference’s Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure [the

Standing Committee] is studying the current nonuniformity in rules governing the

professional conduct of attorneys practicing in the federal district courts. To coordinate

this study, the Standing Committee has formed a Special Committee on Rules Governing

Attorney Conduct consisting of members from each of the rules advisory committees in

addition to representatives from other relevant groups. This Special Committee will meet

in the spring and fall of 1999 and representatives from the advisory committees will make

recommendations back to their respective advisory committees.

As part of the Standing Committee’s efforts in this area, in June 1997, the Federal

Judicial Center gave the Standing Committee a report describing (1) the experiences of

federal district courts with local rules that govern attorney conduct, and (2) procedures

used by the courts to address alleged misconduct [hereinafter the FJC District Court

Study].2

 Bankruptcy courts were not included in that study.

The Standing Committee currently has several specific proposals before it to

address the current nonuniformity in rules governing attorney conduct in the district

courts. One proposal is to adopt a general default provision that requires all district courts

to adopt the attorney conduct rules currently in place in the state wherein the district is

located. The other proposal is to combine this default provision with a set of “core”

national rules. These national rules would apply to specific core areas where problems

frequently arise in federal district courts, leaving all other areas to be governed by state

standards.

Bankruptcy courts are different from the district courts in the attorney conduct

area in that attorneys who practice in bankruptcy courts are subject to a complex statutory

system, which includes bankruptcy-specific conflict of interest criteria and other

standards directly governing attorney conduct. The Standing Committee has already

given attorney conduct in the bankruptcy context some attention through a study report

issued in June 1997.3 That study [hereinafter Study of Bankruptcy Cases], which

examined reported bankruptcy opinions involving rules of attorney conduct,

demonstrated that the proposals being considered by the Standing Committee for the

federal district courts raise many additional issues for bankruptcy courts.

 1

 Special acknowledgments are made to Donna Stienstra, Joe Cecil, Carol Witcher, Bonita Anderson,

Yvette Jeter, Aletha Janifer, and Edwin McNair for their assistance with this study.

2

 Marie Leary, Standards of Attorney Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures: A Study of the Federal District

Courts 335 (Federal Judicial Center 1997), reprinted in Working Papers of the Committee on Rules of

Practice and Procedure: Special Studies of the Federal Rules Governing Attorney Conduct (Administrative

Office of the United States Courts 1997) [hereinafter the FJC District Court Study].

3

 Daniel R. Coquillette, Study of Recent Bankruptcy Cases (1990-1996) Involving Rules of Attorney

Conduct 293 (1997), reprinted in Working Papers of the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure:

Special Studies of Federal Rules Governing Attorney Conduct (Administrative Office of the United States

Courts 1997) [hereinafter Study of Bankruptcy Cases].
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

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The Standing Committee has asked the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules

[the Advisory Committee] to consider whether bankruptcy courts should be exempt from

the attorney conduct proposals the Standing Committee is considering, whether the

“core” rules being considered for district courts should make special allowances for the

unique conditions of bankruptcy practice, or whether specific and different “core” rules

of attorney conduct are required for bankruptcy courts.

To supplement the 1997 Study of Bankruptcy Cases, in June 1998 the Standing

Committee asked that the Federal Judicial Center coordinate with the Advisory

Committee and conduct a study of attorney conduct issues in the bankruptcy courts. The

Advisory Committee at its October 1998 meeting asked its subcommittee on attorney

conduct to oversee the study. The following report describes this study.

The information in this report is based on responses to questionnaires that were

developed by the Center with the assistance of the Advisory Committee. Two versions of

the questionnaire were distributed. Version one (see Appendix A) was sent to all chief

bankruptcy judges and all bankruptcy judges in districts with only one bankruptcy judge.4

The total number of judges in this group was 90. This questionnaire asked the chief

judges to answer questions about the formal and informal sources of attorney conduct

standards in their bankruptcy court, the adequacy of those standards, the type and

frequency of attorney conduct issues that have arisen in their court, and the need for

national uniform attorney conduct rules for bankruptcy courts. We received responses to

77 out of the 90 questionnaires mailed to chief judges (an 86% response rate).

Version two of the questionnaire (see Appendix B), which was sent to all other

bankruptcy judges, was identical to version one except that it did not include the

questions on the formal and informal sources of attorney conduct standards. The total

number of judges in this second group was 227. We received responses to 174 of these

questionnaires (a 77% response rate).5

II. Sources of Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in Bankruptcy Courts

(Questionnaire for Chief Bankruptcy Judges)

A. Sources of Standards and the Impact of Changing District Court

Rules

Version one of the questionnaire asked chief bankruptcy judges to verify or

correct information about the formal sources of attorney conduct standards in their

bankruptcy court, and to answer questions about any informal standards used.6

 One goal

 4

 Throughout this report, unless indicated otherwise, reference to “chief bankruptcy judges” includes chief

bankruptcy judges and bankruptcy judges who preside in districts with only one bankruptcy judge.

5

 We received at least one questionnaire from each bankruptcy court except for the Southern District of

West Virginia, Southern District of Illinois, Western District of Arkansas, Eastern District of Oklahoma,

District of Wyoming, District of the Virgin Islands, and the District of Guam.

6 See Section A of the Chief Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendix A of this report.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

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of this series of questions was to determine how closely bankruptcy courts follow the

rules of attorney conduct used by their corresponding district courts. This would help

gauge how widespread the impact of any changes in federal district court rules would be

on the bankruptcy courts.7

The chief judge questionnaire included a table that showed the local rule in each

district and bankruptcy court.8

 For each district court, the table in the questionnaire

identified any local rule on standards of attorney conduct published as of April 28, 1997.

For each bankruptcy court, the table showed whether the court has a local bankruptcy

rule on standards of attorney conduct and, if so, the source of the standards adopted in the

rule as far as we could determine them.9 We asked each chief judge to review and

comment on the accuracy of the information in the questionnaire for their court.

For each source of attorney conduct standard identified in the questionnaire,10

Table 1 below shows the number of chief bankruptcy judges who indicated that their

court used that source. Some chief bankruptcy judges identified more than one source.

Seventy-seven chief bankruptcy judges responded.

 7

 The 1997 Study of Bankruptcy Cases concluded that 73% (69) of the bankruptcy courts had adopted the

local rules of attorney conduct of their respective district courts. See Study of Bankruptcy Cases, supra note

3, at 299-301. However, this conclusion may oversimplify the status of these 69 courts. For example, where

the local rules of the bankruptcy court were silent on attorney conduct, the Study of Bankruptcy Cases

assumed that the rules of the district court applied (32 bankruptcy courts) and, where the bankruptcy court

adopted the local district court rules generally, the Study of Bankruptcy Cases assumed that this implicitly

included any district court local rules on attorney conduct (18 bankruptcy courts). Id. at 299 & n.3, 300.

Thus, of the 69 bankruptcy courts that the Study of Bankruptcy Cases had concluded had adopted the

district court’s local rules of attorney conduct, 50 (32 + 18) have local rules with no specific statement to

that effect.

8 See Appendix 1 of the Chief Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendix A of this report. 9

 We derived our information from the sources of standards identified in the Study of Bankruptcy Cases.

See Study of Bankruptcy Cases, supra note 3, at Appendix III of that report. We then updated this

information to the best extent we could.

10See Section A, Question 1 of the Chief Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendix A.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

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Table 1

Sources of Attorney Conduct Standards in the Bankruptcy Courts

(N=77)*

Number of Chief

Bankruptcy Judges

Who Indicated that

Their Court Used the

Given Source (% of

chief bankruptcy judge

respondents)

Sources of Attorney Conduct Standards

20

(26%)

Source A**—Adopts District Court’s Local Rules in General: My bankruptcy court has a local

bankruptcy rule that adopts the local rules of the district court in general; our local bankruptcy rule makes

no specific mention of any district court provision concerning attorney conduct and professional

responsibility.

29

(38%)

Source B***—Adopts District Court’s Rules of Attorney Conduct Specifically: My bankruptcy court

has a local bankruptcy rule that specifically states that the bankruptcy court has adopted the district

court’s rules on attorney conduct, attorney discipline, professional responsibility, or a similar phrase.

5

(7%)

Source C—Developed Its Own Attorney Conduct Standards: My bankruptcy court has developed its

own attorney conduct standards and has incorporated them into a local bankruptcy rule or adopted them

by general order.

7

(9%)

Source D—Adopts Other Standards: My bankruptcy court has a local bankruptcy rule that adopts other

standards to govern attorney conduct such as the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct or Model

Code of Professional Responsibility; these standards are other than those in the district court local rules.

9

(12%)

Source E—Has No Local District or Bankruptcy Rule: My bankruptcy court has no local district or

bankruptcy rule, general order, promulgated guideline, standing order, or other written court-wide

standard that governs attorney conduct.

13

(17%)

Source F—None of the Above: None of the above describes the situation in my bankruptcy court.

*Some judges identified more than one source.

**Note that of the 20 who identified Source A, one judge indicated that Source C standards are also used in his or her bankruptcy court.

***Note that of the 29 who identified Source B, two judges indicated that they also use Source C standards and three judges indicated

that they also use Source D standards.

Of the 20 chief bankruptcy judges who indicated that their bankruptcy court has a

local bankruptcy rule that adopts the local rules of the district court in general (Source A

in Table 1), 18 (90%) indicated that they actually follow or have adopted the district

court’s attorney conduct standards.11 In addition, 29 chief bankruptcy judges indicated

that they adopt the district court’s rules of attorney conduct specifically (Source B in

Table 1). Therefore, we can conclude that 47 (18 + 29) of the 77 responding bankruptcy

courts (61%) have adopted or follow the local rules of attorney conduct of their

respective district courts. If we add to these 47 courts the nine courts that indicated that

they have no local district or bankruptcy rule or other written court-wide standard that

governs attorney conduct (Source E in Table 1), and if we adopt the assumption of the

Study of Bankruptcy Cases that the rules of the federal district court apply where the

local rules of the bankruptcy court are silent on the issue of attorney conduct,12 then it

would follow that 56 (73%) of the 77 responding bankruptcy courts follow the local rules

of attorney conduct of their respective district courts.

The table reinforces the conclusion of the Study of Bankruptcy Cases that most

bankruptcy courts do not have their own independently developed set of local rules

governing attorney conduct13—only 7% of bankruptcy courts indicated so in their

 11 See Section A, Question 2 of the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendix A of this

report.

12 See discussion supra note 7. 13 See Study of Bankruptcy Cases, supra note 3, at 299.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

8

responses to our questionnaire (Source C in Table 1). Given these findings, proposed

changes in district court rules could carry over to most of the bankruptcy courts, even if

the proposed changes are not directly aimed at or applied to the bankruptcy courts.14

The 1997 FJC District Court Study found that: “Eighty-nine federal districts (95%

of all districts) have a local rule informing attorneys practicing before the districts’ courts

which professional standards of conduct they are required to abide by . . . . The local

rules of 68 districts (76% of federal districts with attorney conduct rules) incorporate the

relevant standards of the state in which the district is located.”15 Thus, since the majority

of bankruptcy courts follow their district court’s local rules on attorney conduct, and the

majority of district courts with local rules governing attorney conduct incorporate the

relevant state standards of the district wherein they are located, if the Standing

Committee decides to recommend that district courts adopt the standards of the state

wherein they are located, and this rule is made applicable to the bankruptcy courts, this

will not mean a change from current practice for many bankruptcy courts.

However, as pointed out by previous studies, there are many differences between

the states’ attorney conduct rules.16 For example, the majority of states that have adopted

some form of the ABA Model Rules have changed key sections.17 Thus, if district courts

are uniformly required to adopt state standards of attorney conduct, requiring all

bankruptcy courts to follow their district court’s local rule on attorney conduct would

make the source of standards uniform across bankruptcy courts, but it will not produce

uniformity in the practical application of the standards.

B. Bankruptcy Courts’ Use of Standards Other than Those in Local

Rules

Although our results show that the majority of bankruptcy courts adopt the

attorney conduct rules of the district court, several qualifications must be noted. First,

some courts have multiple sources of authority. Of the 20 chief bankruptcy judges who

identified Source A (adopts district court’s local rules in general), one indicated Source C

standards are also used in his or her bankruptcy court. Out of the 29 chief bankruptcy

judges who indicated Source B standards (adopts district court’s rules of attorney conduct

specifically), two indicated that they also use Source C standards and three others

indicated that they also use Source D standards. Second, in applying attorney conduct

rules bankruptcy judges look for guidance to sources other than those listed in their local

rules, such as the Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, the

American Bar Association Model Rules and Model Code, and the common law of

bankruptcy.18

 14 Id. at 307. 15See FJC District Court Study, supra note 2, at 337 (Summary). 16 See, e.g., Daniel R. Coquillette, Report on Local Rules Regulating Attorney Conduct in the Federal

Courts 4 (1995), reprinted in Working Papers of the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure:

Special Studies of the Federal Rules Governing Attorney Conduct (Administrative Office of the United

States Courts 1997).

17 Id. 18See Study of Bankruptcy Cases, supra note 3, at 301-06.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

9

These qualifications make it more difficult to determine which attorney conduct

standards the bankruptcy courts actually use and more difficult to predict the effect of

carrying over uniform rules from the district court.

To gain a sense of how widespread the practice of turning to outside sources is,

we asked chief bankruptcy judges from districts with some form of attorney conduct

standards (those who identified at least one of the Sources A through D in Table 1) to

state whether their bankruptcy court (or the judges in their bankruptcy court) ever used

standards or sets of standards other than the Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of

Bankruptcy Procedure, or the formal standards referred to in their local bankruptcy rules

or district court rules. Of the 53 chief bankruptcy judges who responded to this question,

60% or 32 said their court never used other standards, while 40% or 21 indicated they

did.19

Compare this to the 1997 FJC District Court Study of local rules governing

attorney conduct in which we asked district judges: “Are attorneys practicing in your

district prevented from relying on the explicit language of your local rule because your

district has ‘incorporated’ external standards into your local rules or utilized external

standards not apparent in the rules themselves to interpret the standards?”20 Out of the 71

districts responding to this inquiry, only seven (10%) reported that attorneys practicing in

their district could not rely solely on the explicit language of their local rules because

their court used external standards to interpret the district’s attorney conduct rules.21

In order to determine what the other standards were that bankruptcy courts turn to,

we asked these 21 chief bankruptcy judges who indicated they used outside standards not

in their local bankruptcy rules to describe them.22 The other standards they reported using

included: state ethics rules (8 chief judges); state bar ethics rules (6 chief judges); ABA

Model Rules of Professional Conduct (3 chief judges); case law on attorney responsibility

(2 chief judges); treatises on attorney responsibility (1 chief judge); ABA Code of

Professional Responsibility (1 chief judge); ABA Canon of Professional Ethics (1 chief

judge); state code provisions (1 chief judge); and advisory opinions of state ethics

committee and opinions of state bar disciplinary counsel (1 chief judge).

The diversity of sources used is illustrated further by the following responses.

Twenty-two (29%) of responding chief bankruptcy judges indicated that (1) their

bankruptcy court had no local district or bankruptcy rule, general order or other written

court-wide standard that governs attorney conduct (Source E in Table 1 above), or (2)

 19 See Section A, Question 3 in Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendix A of this

report.

20 See FJC District Court Study, supra note 2, at 348. 21 Id. & Table A-7 in the appendix. Two of the seven districts reported that their district looks to ABA

models (either the Model Rules of Professional Conduct or the Model Code of Professional Responsibility)

to “interpret” local rules and resolve ambiguities, even though their district had not expressly incorporated

ABA models into its local rules. Four of the seven districts reported “other” situations and problems caused

by their use of external standards.

22 See Section A, Question 3 in Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendix A of this

report.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

10

that none of the possible choices given in the questionnaire described the situation in their

bankruptcy court (Source F in Table 1 above). We asked these judges to state what

standards or set of standards other than the Bankruptcy Code and the Federal Rules of

Bankruptcy Procedure their bankruptcy court (or the judges in their bankruptcy court)

apply to resolve attorney conduct issues.23 The standards reported by the 22 responding

judges included: state ethics rules (8 chief judges); state bar ethics rules (3 chief judges);

district court local rules (3 chief judges); state statutory law (1 chief judge); state case law

(1 chief judge); bankruptcy court case law (1 chief judge); ABA standards (2 chief

judges).

These responses indicate that when bankruptcy courts look outside of their local

rules and outside the Bankruptcy Code and Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure for

guidance in resolving an attorney conduct issue or when bankruptcy courts with no

written rules or guidelines resolve an attorney conduct issue, most turn to state ethics

rules.

III. Type and Frequency of Attorney Conduct Issues in Bankruptcy

(Questionnaire for All Bankruptcy Judges)

A. Frequency of Ten Specific Types of Attorney Conduct Issues

We asked all bankruptcy judges to identify the frequency with which ten types of

attorney conduct issues have arisen before them during the past two years. We

specifically requested the judges to include instances in which the conduct resulted in (1)

actual findings that a breach of conduct had occurred and (2) where either a party alleged

unethical conduct or the judges perceived that unethical conduct had occurred but no

allegation was made. We asked only for estimates, and did not require reference to

specific case files or reported case law.24 Table 2, which combines responses for chief

and all other bankruptcy judges,25 shows the number of judges who indicate a specified

frequency for the type of attorney conduct listed. The chief judges answered only for

themselves and not for their courts.

 23 See Section A, Question 4 in the Chief Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendix A of this report. 24 See Section B, Question 5 of Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 1 of the

Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendixes A and B respectively of this report.

25 We noticed no discernable differences between the frequencies reported by chief bankruptcy judges and

non-chief bankruptcy judges. Thus, we report the combined frequencies in Table 2.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

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Table 2

Frequency of Actual or Perceived Breaches of Specific Attorney Conduct Issues

(N=number shown in Column 2)

Attorney Conduct Issues26

Number of

Bankruptcy

Judge

Respondents

Number of Respondents Identifying

Frequency With Which Attorney Conduct

Issue Has Arisen in Past Two Years

(% of respondents to given question*)

Never Once Two to

Five

Times

Six to Ten

Times

More than

Ten times

1. Conflict of Interest: the conduct was

such that the attorney was disqualified

or was the subject of a disqualification

motion on the basis of a standard, such

as ABA Model Rules 1.7 through 1.11,

governing disqualification for conflict

of interest.

249 75

(30%)

44

(18%)

112

(45%)

12

(5%)

6

(2%)

2. Conflict of Interest: the conduct was

such that the attorney was disqualified

or was the subject of a disqualification

motion on the basis of 11 U.S.C. § 327

or § 1103, governing representation of

an adverse interest or conflicts of

interest. Please include matters that

meet the criteria of this Issue # 2 even if

the matters have also been included in

Issue # 1 above.

249 51

(21%)

40

(16%)

129

(52%)

22

(9%)

7

(3%)

3. Required Disclosures: the conduct

violated or allegedly violated disclosure

requirements of 11 U.S.C. § 329(a) or

Bankruptcy Rules 2014 or 2016.

247 72

(29%)

62

(25%)

85

(34%)

25

(10%)

3

(1%)

4. Safekeeping of Client Property: the

conduct violated or allegedly violated

standards analogous to those in ABA

Model Rule 1.15.

245 179

(73%)

37

(15%)

27

(11%)

1

(0.4%)

1

(0.4%)

5. Attorneys’ Fees: the conduct

violated or allegedly violated standards

analogous to those in ABA Model Rule

1.5.

244 93

(38%)

40

(16%)

65

(27%)

24

(10%)

22

(9%)

6. Lawyer as a Witness: the conduct

violated or allegedly violated standards

analogous to those in ABA Model Rule

3.7.

245 155

(63%)

50

(20%)

36

(15%)

1

(0.4%)

3

(1%)

7. Confidentiality: the conduct violated

or allegedly violated standards

analogous to those in ABA Model Rule

1.6.

246 200

(81%)

32

(13%)

14

(6%)

0 0

8. Communication With Represented

Persons: the conduct violated or

allegedly violated standards analogous

to those in ABA Model Rule 4.2.

246 172

(70%)

42

(17%)

30

(12%)

2

(1%)

0

9. Candor Towards a Tribunal: the

conduct violated or allegedly violated

standards analogous to those in ABA

Model Rule 3.3.

248 107

(43%)

55

(22%)

61

(25%)

14

(6%)

11

(4%)

10. Truthfulness in Statements to

Others: the conduct violated or

allegedly violated standards analogous

to those in ABA Model Rule 4.1.

247 137

(56%)

44

(18%)

49

(20%)

8

(3%)

9

(4%)

*Note that if percentages do not add to 100% across the rows, it is due to rounding.

 26 The questionnaires included an appendix with the full text of all ABA Model Rules, national Bankruptcy

Rules, and statutes cited in the questionnaires. (See Appendix 2 of the Chief Bankruptcy Judge

Questionnaire, or the identical Appendix 1 of the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendixes

A and B respectively of this report.)
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

12

As shown in Table 2, a majority of the bankruptcy judges reported that five out of

the ten listed types of attorney conduct issues have occurred one or more times within the

past two years. Conflict of interest issues occurred at the highest rate for the responding

bankruptcy judges. Out of the 249 responding judges, 80% or 198 reported one or more

incidences of disqualification (or a disqualification motion) based on 11 U.S.C. § 327 or

§ 1103 (which govern representation of an adverse interest or conflicts of interest). See

Row #2 in Table 2. Nearly 70% or 174 respondents reported one or more incidences of

disqualification (or a disqualification motion) on the basis of a standard analogous to

ABA Model Rules 1.7 through 1.11. See Row #1 in Table 2.

Issues concerning conduct violating or allegedly violating the disclosure

requirements of 11 U.S.C. § 329(a) or Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016 occurred at a rate

of just over 70% (that is, 175 of the 247 respondents reported one or more incidences of

the issue). See Row #3 in Table 2. One or more incidences of issues involving standards

analogous to ABA Model Rule 1.5 (rules regarding attorneys’ fees) were reported by

62% (or 151 of the 244 judges responding to that part of the question). See Row #5 of

Table 2. And one or more incidences of issues relating to standards analogous to ABA

Model Rule 3.3 (candor towards a tribunal) were reported by 57% (or 141 of the 248

responding judges). See Row #9 of Table 2.

The majority of responding judges indicated that each of the five remaining types

of attorney conduct issues had never arisen in the past two years. These are worth noting,

however, since the numbers of judges reporting one or more incidences were not

insignificant. Nearly half (45%) reported one or more incidences of issues involving

standards analogous to ABA Model Rule 4.1 (truthfulness in statements to others). See

Row #10 of Table 2. Over a third (37%) reported one or more incidences of issues

involving standards analogous to ABA Model Rule 3.7 (lawyer as a witness). See Row #6

of Table 2. And nearly a third (30%) reported one or more incidences of issues involving

standards analogous to ABA Model Rule 4.2 (communication with represented person).

See Row #8 of Table 2.

Issues relating to standards analogous to ABA Model Rules 1.6 (confidentiality)

and 1.15 (safekeeping of client property) rarely arose. A small number of bankruptcy

judges (19% and 27%, respectively) indicated that the issues had arisen one or more

times within the past two years. See Rows #7 and 4 of Table 2.

B. Frequency of “Other” Types of Attorney Conduct

In addition to requesting information on the frequency of the ten attorney conduct

issues shown in Table 2, we provided a catchall “other” category in which we invited

bankruptcy judges to describe any violations or alleged violations of any other standards,

whether or not they were covered by the ABA Model Rules, and to identify the frequency

with which each such attorney conduct issue had arisen before them in the past two

years.27 Table 3 summarizes these responses.

 27 See Section B, Question 5k of the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 1k of

the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendixes A and B respectively of this report.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

13

Table 3

Frequency of Actual or Perceived Breaches of “Other” Attorney Conduct Issues

(N is as shown in Column 2)

“Other” Attorney Conduct Issues

Listed by Bankruptcy Judges

Number of

Bankruptcy

Judge

Respondents

Number of Respondents Identifying

Frequency With Which “Other” Attorney Conduct

Issue Has Arisen in Past Two Years

Never Once Two to

Five

Times

Six to Ten

Times

More than

Ten times

1. Failure to adequately, diligently and

competently prepare and represent a

client. (ABA Model Rule 1.1)

13 0 0 2 3 7

2. Failure to appear for a scheduled

hearing. 4 00103

3. Client assertion that attorney failed to

properly communicate with the client. 4 00211

4. Violation of Bankruptcy Rule 9011.

3 00201

5. Abandoning a client in an adversary

proceeding. 2 01001

6. Multiple proceedings 28 U.S.C. §

1927. 2 01100

7. Violation of standards for petition

preparers. 1 00001

8. Padding time records to increase fees.

1 00001

9. Charging an hourly rate for an

appearance attorney who has paid a flat

fee.

1 00001

10. Failure to comply with orders

regarding repayment of money. 1 00001

11. Taking filing fees and not filing a

case. 1 00001

12. Failure to comply with discovery

rules, resulting in legal disputes. 1 00001

13. Failure to timely serve or ever serve

papers on opposing counsel. 1 00001

14. Indifference to rule of officer of

court. 1 00001

15. Failure to defend client based on

low fee arrangement. 1 00001

16. Failure to bring a meritorious claim

(ABA Model Rule 3.1). 1 00010

17. Termination of representation (ABA

Model Rule 1.16). 1 00100

18. Unauthorized practice of law.

1 00100

19. Failure of debtor’s counsel to appear

at a hearing in violation of a local

bankruptcy rule.

1 00100

20. Attorney taking fee outside of

bankruptcy court’s approval. 1 00100

21. Failure to obtain client’s approval of

settlement terms. 1 00100

22. Violation of lawyers’ creed

(obligation to be reasonable and work

things out).

1 00100

23. Client asserting that attorney had

failed to properly attend the case. 1 00100

24. Inappropriate description of

opposing counsel; sexual bias. 1 01000
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

14

Our findings suggest that only a very small group of attorney conduct issues arise

in bankruptcy courts with notable frequency. These findings are consistent with the Study

of Bankruptcy Cases, which found that almost all bankruptcy opinions involving attorney

conduct involve a small core group of rules, thus not involving the majority of the ABA

Model Rules of Professional Conduct.28 The Study of Bankruptcy Cases compared its

findings to the results of a similar study of district court and court of appeals cases

involving local rules of attorney conduct.29 Although both studies found that almost all

district court cases also involve a small core group of attorney conduct rules, some rules

were found to be more or less prevalent in the bankruptcy courts than in district courts.30

For example, with the exception of conflict of interest rules, which were found to have

consistently high frequencies of occurrence in both district and bankruptcy courts,

communications with represented parties and lawyer as witness were found to be

significantly less prevalent in bankruptcy courts than in district courts and courts of

appeal. And cases involving attorneys’ fees and safekeeping of client property were

significantly more prevalent in bankruptcy courts than in district courts and courts of

appeals.31

In the instant study, our findings show that bankruptcy courts are faced with

certain attorney conduct issues not relevant to district court practice. Table 2 shows that

the responding bankruptcy judges were confronted with attorney conduct issues involving

statutory or bankruptcy-related standards more often than other types of standards.

Compare Rows 2 and 3 to Rows 4 through 10 of Table 2. Further, the other types of

attorney conduct issues prevalent in bankruptcy courts (conflict of interest issues

analogous to those covered by ABA Model Rules 1.7 through 1.11, attorneys’ fees, and

candor towards a tribunal) which may also arise in district court practice, often involve

different concerns in the context of bankruptcy court practice due to the unique

characteristics of such practice.32

 28See Study of Bankruptcy Cases, supra note 3, at 298-99. The 1997 Study of Bankruptcy Cases examined

93 opinions of bankruptcy cases reported from January 1, 1990 to March 23, 1996 that involved local rules

of attorney conduct. The study categorized each case by the specific ethical rule involved. The study

showed that 53% (49 of the 93 cases) of the reported bankruptcy cases involved ABA Model Rules 1.7

through 1.11 (conflict of interest) or standards analogous to those rules. An additional 13% (12 of the 93

cases) involved ABA Model Rule 1.15 (safekeeping of client property) or analogous standards. The third

largest category with 9% or 8 cases involved attorneys’ fees (ABA Model Rule 1.5). And 4% (4 of the 93

cases) involved ABA Model Rule 3.7 (lawyer as a witness) or analogous standards. The remaining cases

involved miscellaneous rules. Id. at 296-98. 29 Id. at 298-99, citing Daniel R. Coquillette, Report on Local Rules Regulating Attorney Conduct in the

Federal Courts (1995), reprinted in Working Papers of the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure:

Special Studies of the Federal Rules Governing Attorney Conduct (Administrative Office of the United

States Courts September 1997).

30 Id. at 298-99. 31 Id. 32 See Study of Bankruptcy Cases, supra note 3, at 301-306.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

15

IV. Adequacy of Standards Governing Attorney Conduct

The 1997 Study of Bankruptcy Cases found that the bankruptcy system presents

unique ethical issues because, although most bankruptcy courts follow the local rules of

the federal district court of their district, in practice bankruptcy courts have developed

standards of attorney conduct that are very different from federal district court practice.33

This stems from the fact that the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules have their

own provisions relating to attorney conduct. For example, 11 U.S.C. § 327 of the

Bankruptcy Code is a statutorily prescribed ethical rule governing conflict of interests for

attorneys and other professional persons employed in the bankruptcy context. This is

further complicated by the fact that application of § 327 among the bankruptcy courts is

not uniform.34 In addition, there are many disagreements and policy disputes concerning

the proper relationship between the Bankruptcy Code provisions, particularly § 327, and

the local rules governing attorney conduct in the bankruptcy courts.35 For example,

bankruptcy cases that apply § 327 also frequently involve the conflict of interest rules of

the ABA Model Rules of Professional Responsibility, which has been incorporated in

some form by the majority of state attorney conduct rules. The majority of district courts

adopt these state rules.36

In order to gain a sense of whether bankruptcy judges are satisfied with the

statutory and non-statutory standards they use to resolve attorney conduct issues, we

asked all bankruptcy judges a series of questions concerning the adequacy of these

standards. We found that the majority of responding bankruptcy judges were satisfied

with the statutory and non-statutory standards, did not find any problematic

inconsistencies between their district’s statutory and non-statutory standards, and had

never encountered attorney conduct issues that arose only in bankruptcy courts that were

not covered adequately by existing statutory or non-statutory standards.

A. Statutory Standards

First, we asked the judges if the “statutory standards,” which we defined as those

in the Bankruptcy Code and national Bankruptcy Rules, are adequate.37 Among the 248

responding bankruptcy judges, 75% (186) said the statutory standards are adequate, and

25% (62) answered they are not. We asked those bankruptcy judges who believed the

statutory standards are not adequate to describe why they believed so. The recurring

themes among those bankruptcy judges included complaints that:

(1) The statutory standards are not broad or specific enough to cover attorney

conduct issues that actually arise in the bankruptcy courts, thus forcing

bankruptcy judges to turn to other standards to supplement them.

 33 Id. 34 Id. at 303-06. 35 Id. at 306. 36 See discussion infra p. 8. 37 See Section B, Question 6a in Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 2a in the

Bankruptcy Judges Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

16

(2) The statutory standards do not address whether bankruptcy judges have

authority to suspend attorneys from practicing before a bankruptcy court.

(3) The statutory standards governing conflicts of interest are not specific enough to

provide guidance (e.g., the vagueness of the disinterestedness standard under 11

U.S. C. § 327(a)) and they are too strict to allow for flexibility in application.

(4) The disclosure rules are too lax and subject to manipulation.

Appendix C of this report contains a more detailed summary of representative respondent

comments.

B. Non-Statutory Standards

Next, we asked all bankruptcy judges whether they believed the “non-statutory”

standards, which we defined as standards other than those in the Bankruptcy Code and

national Bankruptcy Rules, are adequate.38 Only 12% or 29 of the 245 responding

bankruptcy judges indicated that the non-statutory standards used in their court are not

adequate, while 88% or 216 answered that their non-statutory standards are adequate. We

asked respondents who believed that their non-statutory standards are not adequate to

describe why and what other source they would turn to to resolve attorney conduct issues,

such as state ethics codes or model rules or codes. The recurring themes were that:

(1) The non-statutory standards, especially those dealing with conflicts of interest, do

not address issues unique to bankruptcy, such as fiduciary duties, the existence of

multiple parties, and “potential” conflicts.

(2) The non-statutory standards are not readily available to or known by practitioners

since they are located in the district court local rules.

(3) The non-statutory standards do not grant bankruptcy courts authority to conduct

formal disciplinary proceedings for attorney misconduct that occurs in the

bankruptcy court. Further, reliance upon state bar grievance procedures or the

district court to conduct investigations delays the process and risks incorrect

judgements due to insufficient understanding of bankruptcy issues.

Appendix D of this report contains a more detailed, representative listing of the

comments we received.

C. Conflict Between Statutory and Non-Statutory Standards

We asked all bankruptcy judges whether they had found any problematic

inconsistencies between their district’s statutory and non-statutory attorney conduct

standards.39 Among the 241 responding bankruptcy judges, 88% or 213 reported no

problematic inconsistencies, while 12% or 28 respondents said there are such

inconsistencies. We asked the bankruptcy judges who found inconsistencies to describe

them and the problems they present. The main problem identified was the difficulty

judges have applying the non-statutory conflict of interest provisions within the

bankruptcy context. For example, judges reported they frequently encounter

 38 See Section B, Question 6b in Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 2b in the

Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.

39 See Section B, Question 6c in the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 2c in

the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

17

inconsistencies between the disinterestedness standard of 11 U.S.C. § 327(a) and the

provisions for multiple representation in the ABA Model Rules and Code. These

inconsistencies are problematic because the ABA models do not contemplate a debtorclient who is a fiduciary with respect to parties with adverse interests (creditors and

others in bankruptcy). Other bankruptcy judges complained that the statutory rules are

ambiguous or often too vague. And others said the inconsistencies allow attorneys to look

to state law standards that are loosely enforced. Appendix E of this report contains a more

detailed summary of the comments.

D. Bankruptcy-Specific Attorney Conduct Issues Not Adequately

Addressed

The final question regarding adequacy of standards was whether the respondents

had ever encountered attorney conduct issues that arose only in bankruptcy courts and

were not covered adequately or at all by existing statutory or non-statutory conduct

standards.40 Among the 240 responding bankruptcy judges, 72% or 172 stated that they

had never encountered such issues, while 28% or 68 said they had. We asked the latter

group to describe these issues. Their comments focused on general conflict of interest

issues, disclosure requirements, and problems with the definition of disinterestedness. In

addition, once again several bankruptcy judges mentioned the absence of guidance on

whether they have the power to discipline attorneys by, for example, barring them from

practicing before the bankruptcy court. Appendix F of this report contains a more detailed

summary of the comments.

V. Adequacy of Disclosure Standards Regarding Employment of Attorneys

Another controversial attorney conduct issue that may not be adequately

addressed by existing state rules or by the ABA Model Rules is Federal Rule of

Bankruptcy Procedure 2014, which requires an attorney or other professional person to

disclose certain information to the court before they can be employed by the estate. We

asked all bankruptcy judges whether they had ever experienced any problems with the

adequacy of disclosure by attorneys seeking employment in bankruptcy cases.41 Among

the 250 responding bankruptcy judges, 62% or 156 said they had experienced problems,

while 38% or 94 said they had not.

Then we asked the judges who said they had experienced problems whether they

were caused by inadequate requirements for disclosure in Bankruptcy Rule 2014.42

Among the 153 responding bankruptcy judges, 75% or 114 said that none of these

 40 See Section B, Question 6d in the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 2d in

the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.

41 See Section B, Question 7a on the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 3a of

the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.

42 See Section B, Question 7b on the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 3b of

the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

18

problems were caused by such inadequacies, while 26% or 39 said the problems were so

caused.

Finally, we asked the judges who indicated a causal relationship to provide

suggestions for amending Rule 2014 to improve the adequacy of disclosure.43 Thirty-nine

bankruptcy judges suggested improvements including recommendations that Bankruptcy

Rule 2014:

(1) require more detail in consumer cases to disclose fees paid in prior cases where

debtors are multiple filers, especially in chapter 13 cases;

(2) apply to chapter 13 cases;

(3) provide more specific examples of entities falling into the category of “parties in

interest” and specific examples of what is meant by “all of the person’s

connections”;

(4) require the fee agreement to be attached to the employment application;

(5) require specific details of client representations by all members of a firm, with a

requirement of disqualification by the court if not done or if details indicate a

conflict of interest;

(6) require that attorneys disclose the source of funds for a retainer and future

payment.

In addition, several judges explained that the problem lies not with Rule 2014 but with

the willingness of attorneys who practice in bankruptcy courts to follow the rule and the

courts’ strictness in enforcing the rule. In many districts there are supplements to Rule

2014 in the form of guidelines or local rules.44 Appendix G summarizes in more detail

representative comments from respondents.

VI. National Uniform Attorney Conduct Standards in Bankruptcy Courts

In the instant study, we found that a little over half of responding bankruptcy

judges were in favor of uniform attorney conduct standards and in favor of the same

standards for both bankruptcy and district courts.45 More specifically, of the 248

responding bankruptcy judges, 52% or 130 stated that attorney conduct in bankruptcy

 43 See Section B, Question 7c on the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 3c of

the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.

44 See, e.g., D. Massachusetts Local Bankruptcy Rule 2014-1, Application to Employ Professional Persons;

N.D. Ind. Local Bankruptcy Rule B-214, Employment of Professionals by Debtor-in-Possession; C.D. Cal.,

Notice of Amended Standards to be Employed in the Review of Applications for Authorization of

Employment of Professionals (Revised Form 8/98); C.D. Cal. Local Bankruptcy Rule 2014-1, Employment

of Debtor and Professional Persons; United States Trustee, C.D. Cal., Guide to Applications for

Employment of Professionals and Treatment of Retainers (Revised May 1994).

45 These findings can be compared to the 1997 FJC District Court Study on attorney conduct rules in the

district courts in which we asked district judges “Should all federal district courts have the same rules

governing the professional conduct of attorneys?” Out of the 79 responding districts, 67% or 53

respondents did not support a national rule; 30% or 24 respondents said they would be in favor of a

national rule; and two had no opinion. See FJC District Court Study, supra note 2, at 351.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

19

courts should be governed by uniform standards, and 27% or 67 said there should not be

uniform standards, while 21% or 51 answered they “can’t say.”46

We also asked all bankruptcy judges whether the standards applied in bankruptcy

courts should be the same as those applied in district courts, assuming uniform standards

were adopted by all district and bankruptcy courts.47 Fifty-two percent or 128 of the 248

responding bankruptcy judges said the standards should be the same, and 28% or 70 said

they should not be, while 20% or 50 said they “can’t say.”

We asked all bankruptcy judges to explain why they believed such standards

should be the same or different in the bankruptcy and district courts.48 For the most part,

bankruptcy judges in favor of the same uniform standards for bankruptcy and district

courts stated that attorneys should not have to worry about or learn two sets of standards

given that bankruptcy courts are statutorily units of the district court, and counsel are

members of the bar of the district court not the bankruptcy court. Further, many

respondents said uniformity would ensure efficient operation of both courts and would

ensure that the federal courts have a simple set of unified standards for all districts,

making it easily and readily determinable what the expectations are, regardless of the

federal court in which an attorney practices. Different rules will only lead to greater

noncompliance due to confusion and oversight, they suggested.

On the other hand, bankruptcy judges who do not support uniformity in standards

for bankruptcy and district courts stated that because there are so many important issues

that are unique to bankruptcy cases (e.g., fiduciary obligations owed by the trustee and

debtor-in-possession to all parties; disclosure obligations; and conflict of interest issues

dealing with disinterestedness complicated by the multitude of interests present in

bankruptcy cases), a uniform district court standard may cause confusion in bankruptcy

cases. These judges said uniformity is not desirable because the sheer volume of cases in

bankruptcy courts suggests that some conduct standards could be relaxed for certain

issues, whereas the fiduciary responsibilities in bankruptcy may require more stringent

standards with a broader scope for other issues.

Appendix H of this report contains a representative summary of the responses

discussed in the last two paragraphs.

VII. Specific Suggestions for National Uniform Attorney Conduct Standards in

Bankruptcy Courts

The Standing Committee is considering a proposal to adopt a set of “core”

national rules that would apply to specific types of attorney conduct identified as

 46 See Section B, Question 8a on the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 4a of

the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.

47 See Section B, Question 8b on the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 4b of

the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B of this report.

48 Id.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

20

problematic in the district court, leaving all other areas to be governed by the attorney

conduct rules of the state wherein the district is located. To address this proposal, the

final section of the questionnaire sought input from all bankruptcy judges on the adoption

of uniform standards for nine types of attorney conduct, some of which are being

considered as core national rules to be applied uniformly in all district courts.49 The

questionnaire respondents were instructed to assume for this series of questions that the

national uniform standards would be identical or substantially similar to the provisions of

the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct that currently address the nine types of

conduct identified in the questionnaire.50

A. Should There Be National Uniform Rules for Bankruptcy Courts on

Certain Topics? Should the Rules Be the Same For Bankruptcy and

District Courts?

For each of the nine types of attorney conduct listed (see Column 1 in Table 4

below), we first asked all bankruptcy judges whether bankruptcy courts should have a

national uniform standard governing that type of conduct, be it the corresponding ABA

Model Rule on the subject or some other standard. (See Column 2 in Table 4 below.)51

Then we asked all bankruptcy judges who said there should be a national uniform

standard whether the national uniform standard should be the same for bankruptcy and

district courts ( See Column 3 in Table 4).52 Table 4 below shows the responses we

received to these inquiries.

 49 See Section B, Question 9 on the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 5 of

the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.

50 The text of all cited Model Rules was provided in an appendix to the questionnaires. See Appendix 2 of

the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Appendix 1 of the Bankruptcy Judge

Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.

51 See Section B, Question 9, Column 3 on the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical

Question 5, Column 3 of the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively

of this report.

52 See Section B, Question 9, Column 4 on the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical

Question 5, Column 4 of the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively

of this report.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

21

Table 4

Suggested Uniform Attorney Conduct Standards in Bankruptcy Court

N = number of respondents shown in Columns 2 and 3)53

Column 1

Subject of Suggested

Uniform Standard

Column 2

Should bankruptcy courts have a

national uniform standard on the

subject in Column 1, whether it be

similar to the ABA Model Rule listed in

Column 1 or some other standard on

the subject?

Column 3

If you feel there should be a uniform

standard for bankruptcy courts on the

subject in Column 1, should the

national uniform standard be the same

for bankruptcy and district courts?

1. Confidentiality of Information

(Based on Model Rule 1.6)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 236

NO 92 (39%)

YES 144 (61%)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 138

NO 22 (16%)

YES 116 (84%)

2. General Rule on Conflicts of Interest

(Based on Model Rule 1.7)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 235

NO 85 (36%)

YES 150 (64%)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 139

NO 59 (42%)

YES 80 (58%)

3. Conflicts of Interest Concerning

Prohibited Transactions

(Based on Model Rule 1.8)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 233

NO 88 (38%)

YES 145 (64%)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding =136

NO 25 (18%)

YES 111 (82%)

4. Conflict of Interest Concerning

Former Client

(Based on Model Rule 1.9)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 232

NO 90 (39%)

YES 142 (61%)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding =131

NO 30 (23%)

YES 101 (77%)

5. Rule on Imputed Disqualification

(Based on Model Rule 1.10)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding =232

NO 95 (41%)

YES 137 (60%)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 127

NO 25 (20%)

YES 102 (80%)

6. Rule on Candor Towards a Tribunal

(Based on Model Rule 3.3)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 235

NO 84 (36%)

YES 151 (64%)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding =141

NO 7 (5%)

YES 134 (95%)

7. Rule on Lawyers As Witness (Based

on Model Rule 3.7)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 235

NO 89 (38%)

YES 146 (62%)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding =138

NO 11 (8%)

YES 127 (92%)

8. Rule on Truthfulness in Statements

to Others

(Based on Model Rule 4.1)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 235

NO 85 (36%)

YES 150 (64%)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding =141

NO 5 (4%)

YES 136 (97%)

9. Rule on Communications with

Person Represented by Counsel

(Based on Model Rule 4.2)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding = 234

NO 89 (38%)

YES 145 (62%)

Total Number of Bankruptcy Judges

Responding =139

NO 9 (7%)

YES 130 (94%)

Table 4 shows that for each type of attorney conduct listed, the majority (ranging from

60% to 64%) of responding judges said there should be a national uniform standard in the

 53 The discrepancy between the number of respondents answering “YES” in Column 2 and the “total

number of bankruptcy judges responding” in Column 3 is attributed to the respondents who failed to

indicate a response in Column 3.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

22

bankruptcy courts. In addition, for each type of attorney conduct, the majority (ranging

from 58% to 97%) of respondents who said there should be national uniform standards in

bankruptcy courts also said the standard should be the same in bankruptcy and district

courts.

B. How Should Uniform Bankruptcy Rules Be Different From Uniform

District Court Rules?

Next, we asked those bankruptcy judges who did not believe the standard should

be the same to explain how the national uniform standard for bankruptcy courts should

differ from that for district courts.54 A brief summary of their comments is provided

below for each of the nine types of attorney conduct. Appendix I gives a more detailed

summary of the comments.

1. Confidentiality of Information. The bankruptcy court uniform rule on confidentiality

of information should: (a) permit broader disclosure (i.e., determine that fewer

disclosures are protected by confidentiality restrictions); (b) account for the fact that

bankruptcy cases deal with evolving factual matters, as opposed to past factual

matters, and thus conflicts may arise post-petition in bankruptcy cases more

frequently than post-filing in district cases; (c) include a provision allowing a

creditors’ committee to share, when necessary, information it has obtained; and (d)

permit disclosure of confidential information not only to prevent death or serious

bodily harm, but also to disclose crime or fraud threatening substantial financial loss.

2. General Rule on Conflicts of Interest. The bankruptcy court uniform rule on

general conflicts of interest should: (a) be different because of the large number of

interested parties with shifting interests involved in some bankruptcy cases and the

increased likelihood of a conflict arising; (b) be different because of the fiduciary

obligations owed by certain persons in bankruptcy cases to a broad range of parties;

(c) require attorneys appointed by the court to disclose all potential conflicts of

interest, and require attorneys to seek court approval when representing the debtor or

estate (even if the client consents to the conflict); (d) include Title 11’s additional

requirements of disinterestedness and bankruptcy rule requirements of complete

disclosure; and (e) require consents and disclosures to be in writing.

3. Conflict of Interest Concerning Prohibited Transactions. The bankruptcy court

uniform rule on conflicts of interest concerning prohibited transactions should: (a)

take into account that certain counsel in bankruptcy (e.g., attorneys for debtors-inpossession), creditors’ and other official committees, and trustees owe fiduciary

obligations to a broad range of parties and require heightened scrutiny generally not

applicable in district court; (b) be more restrictive (i.e., cover more) than the

applicable standard in district courts; (c) prohibit a debtor’s attorney from having any

business relationship with his client, including an absolute prohibition against buying

 54 See Section B, Question 9, Column 5 on the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical

Question 5, Column 5 of the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively

of this report.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

23

property of the estate; and (d) address issues problematic in bankruptcy such as where

lawyers take security interests, mortgage judgments, etc., to secure the payment of

fees.

4. Conflict of Interest Concerning Former Client. The bankruptcy court uniform rule

on conflicts of interest concerning a former client should: (a) provide bankruptcy

judges with discretion to resolve conflict issues because of the broad range in the size

and complexity of bankruptcy cases; (b) be made consistent with § 327(c) and (e) of

the Bankruptcy Code, permitting an attorney to represent the debtor even though the

attorney formerly represented a creditor of the debtor; and (c) require more disclosure

in the area of potential conflicts of interest and ongoing disclosure to deal with firm

mergers, where conflicts develop during a case.

5. Rule on Imputed Disqualification. The uniform rule on imputed disqualification for

bankruptcy courts should: (a) provide bankruptcy judges with discretion in resolving

conflict issues because of the difference in size and complexity of bankruptcy cases;

(b) address the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code (§327(c) and (e)) that permit an

attorney to represent the debtor even though the attorney formerly represented a

creditor of the debtor; (c) adequately address lateral moves between firms and the

transactional representation of business clients: and (d) address the problems

bankruptcy courts have with ABA Rule 1.10(c) regarding waiver of conflict.

6. Rule on Candor Towards the Tribunal. The bankruptcy court uniform rule on

candor towards the tribunal should: (a) not be based on ABA Model Rule 3.3(a)(3)

because it puts lawyers in conflict with their duty to their own client; and (b) define

whether debtors’ counsel have a duty to disclose information to creditors if that

information is necessary to address preferential transfer, hidden agendas, etc.

7. Rule on Lawyer As Witness. The bankruptcy court uniform rule on the lawyer as a

witness should: (a) provide a clear rule prohibiting attorney submission when

bankruptcy courts use Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 43 (taking of witness

testimony) and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56 (summary judgment) to decide

matters; and (b) address the situation not addressed by ABA Model Rule 3.7 where

the attorney for a debtor may become a post-petition transaction witness (if the

attorney is a sole practitioner or in a small firm, it is not practical to withdraw,

especially in small consumer cases).

8. Rule on Truthfulness in Statements to Others. The bankruptcy court uniform rule

on truthfulness in statements to others should: (a) address parameters of settlement

offers in the bankruptcy context; (b) address the inadequacies of ABA Model Rule

4.1(b) in determining what conduct is “fraudulent” in bankruptcy cases

(confidentiality should be waived if a Model Rule 4.1 circumstance arises in

bankruptcy); and (c) be broadened because ABA Model Rule 1.6 is not broad enough

in bankruptcy cases.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

24

9. Rule on Communications with Person Represented by Counsel. The bankruptcy

court uniform rule on communications with a person represented by counsel should:

(a) allow for situations where an attorney who is a trustee and who also acts as

counsel for the trustee may (when acting as the trustee) communicate with a debtor

who is represented by counsel; (b) be flexible enough in consumer cases to allow

communication where a debtor’s attorney signs on for a limited fee and a limited

purpose; and (c) include provisions of Bankruptcy Rule 7004 requiring service of

pleadings on the consumer debtor as well as debtor’s counsel to assure the consumer

debtor is apprised of matters in the case.

C. Should National Uniform Bankruptcy and District Court Rules Be

Based on the ABA Model Rules?

For each of the nine types of attorney conduct, we asked bankruptcy judges who

stated that the national uniform standard should be the same for all bankruptcy and

district courts whether the national uniform standard should be based on the

corresponding ABA Model Rule for that type of conduct or on a different standard.55 And

if different, we asked the judges to explain how the national uniform standard should

differ from the ABA Model Rules.56 A brief summary of their comments is provided

below for each of the nine types of attorney conduct. The majority of bankruptcy judges

said the national uniform standard should be based on the corresponding ABA Model

Rule.57 A minority of judges in each category described a different standard. Appendix J

provides a more detailed summary of the comments. For the following nine types of

conduct, according to respondents, any national uniform standard that is applied to both

bankruptcy and district courts should be based on the corresponding ABA Model Rule or:

1. Confidentiality of Information: a different standard—the corresponding ABA

Model Rule, except that there should be some flexibility to include state rules of

conduct where they are stricter, so local attorneys are not held to higher conduct

standards than out-of-state attorneys.

2. General Rule on Conflicts of Interest: (a) a different standard—the ABA Model

Rule except it should be modified for a relaxed disinterestedness standard under §

 55 See Section B, Question 9, Column 5 on the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical

Question 5, Column 5 of the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively

of this report

56 Id. 57 The percentage of judges who indicated that the national uniform standard should be based on the

corresponding ABA Model Rule were as follows for each category of attorney conduct:

• confidentiality of information (68%);

• general rule of conflicts of interest (68%);

• conflict of interest concerning prohibited transactions (69%);

• conflict of interest concerning former client (67%);

• rule on imputed disqualification (67%);

• rule on candor towards the tribunal (63%);

• rule on lawyer as witness (62%);

• rule on truthfulness in statements to others (63%);

• rule on communication with a person represented by counsel (62%).
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

25

327 so that lawyers who are owed fees by their clients may represent them in

bankruptcy proceedings; (b) a different standard—the ABA Model Rule combined

with a requirement of full disclosure (disinterestedness standard should be abandoned

in favor of the ABA Model Rule) which gives judges a flexible tool to deal with

conflict of interest issues.

3. Conflict of Interest Concerning Prohibited Transactions: (a) a different

standard—the ABA Model Rule but modified for bankruptcy cases where a trustee is

a plaintiff in a multi-party proceeding; (b) a different standard—the ABA Model Rule

supplemented with the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Federal Rules

of Civil Procedure.

4. Conflict of Interest Concerning Former Client: (a) a different standard—the ABA

standard modified to include a provision to deal with the problem of large firms and

national firms that represent large creditors and debtors; (b) a different standard—the

ABA standard modified for conflict issues problematic to bankruptcy courts, such as

where a trustee is a plaintiff in a multi-party proceeding.

5. Rule on Imputed Disqualification: a different standard—the ABA Model Rules

modified for conflict issues problematic to bankruptcy courts, to reflect the reality of

bankruptcy practice such as where a trustee is a plaintiff in a multi-party proceeding.

6. Rule on Candor Towards the Tribunal: a different standard—the ABA standard

but applied with flexibility so as to include state rules of conduct where they are

stricter, so local attorneys are not held to higher conduct standards than out-of-state

attorneys.

7. Rule on Lawyer as Witness: a different standard—the ABA standard except as to

applications for attorneys’ fees.

8. Rule on Truthfulness in Statements to Others: a different standard—the ABA

standard modified for “truthfulness in statements to others” issues problematic to

bankruptcy courts.

9. Rule on Communication with a Person Represented by Counsel. (a) a different

standard—the ABA standard with clarification of “who” is represented by counsel;

(b) a different standard—the ABA standard but modified for issues concerning

“communications with persons represented by counsel” that are problematic to

bankruptcy courts such as the inclusion of communications with creditors of the same

class.

D. Should a National Uniform Standard on Any Other Attorney Conduct

Issue Be Drafted for Use in Bankruptcy Courts?

The final question asked all bankruptcy judges whether a national uniform

standard on any other attorney conduct issue should be drafted for use in all bankruptcy
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

26

courts.58 Among the 198 responding bankruptcy judges, 84% or 166 said that no

additional attorney conduct issues should be covered by national uniform rules, while

16% or 32 bankruptcy judges said additional issues should be covered. Subjects

mentioned by several judges as good candidates for uniform rules included: competency

of the practicing attorney before the bankruptcy court; civility to the court, witnesses, and

other attorneys; modifications of ABA Model Rules to the bankruptcy context; authority

to suspend, disbar, or discipline attorneys by the bankruptcy courts; fiduciary duties;

disclosure issues; and bankruptcy-specific conflict of interest issues. Appendix K

provides a more detailed summary of their comments.

VIII. GENERAL COMMENTS

The questionnaire included a “General Comments” section in which we asked all

bankruptcy judges to add any comments that might help the Standing Committee

understand the current issues and problems facing bankruptcy courts with regard to

attorney conduct. Ninety-one judges chose to give comments here (36% of all

respondents). These comments fell into three general categories: comments in favor of

uniform standards; comments opposed to uniform standards; and comments containing

mixed and miscellaneous views. In addition, many judges expressed a preference for

allowing their bankruptcy court to continue to apply the state ethics rules, supplemented

by the statutory bankruptcy standards. Many responding bankruptcy judges in favor of

uniform national standards stated that it was important to create uniformity of standards

to assist attorneys from one section of the country practicing in bankruptcy courts in other

sections. Arguments rejecting uniform national attorney conduct rules for bankruptcy

courts comprised the bulk of the general comments. These comments were not in

proportion to responses to other questions in the survey.59 Many responding bankruptcy

judges stated that attorneys who practice in state courts should not face differing

standards when they appear before bankruptcy courts. Further, many expressed support

for permitting local courts to develop additional or stricter standards of conduct, as well

as addressing problems of unique, local concern. Appendix L of this report contains a

more detailed summary of these comments arranged by category of comment.

 58 See Section B, Question 9j in the Chief Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, or the identical Question 5j in

the Bankruptcy Judge Questionnaire, located in Appendices A and B respectively of this report.

59 Responses to the other questions, for example, showed that 52% of responding bankruptcy judges were

in favor of uniform standards for bankruptcy and district courts. See discussion of national uniformity, infra

Section VI.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Court—Final Report

Appendix A

J U D

I

C I A

F

L

E

D

E

R A L

C E N T E R

Standards Governing

Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Questionnaire for Chief Judges

of United States Bankruptcy Courts

Purpose and Instructions

The Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure (the Standing Committee) is studying

whether nonuniformity in attorney conduct standards across districts has any negative or positive effects. The

Standing Committee has asked the Federal Judicial Center to conduct a study of attorney conduct issues in the

bankruptcy courts. This questionnaire, developed with the assistance of the Judicial Conference’s Advisory

Committee on Bankruptcy Rules, asks about the formal and informal sources of attorney conduct standards in your

bankruptcy court, the adequacy of those standards, the type and frequency of attorney conduct issues that have arisen

in your court, and the need for national uniform attorney conduct rules for bankruptcy courts. A questionnaire

identical to Section B of this questionnaire has been sent to all bankruptcy judges. A similar study has already been

completed for district courts.

If you need more space to answer any question, please use the “General Comments” section on pages 9 through

11 of the questionnaire. Please give the number of the question you are answering.

Presentation of Responses

Individual respondents will not be identified in the report prepared for the Advisory Committee, but districts may

be identified in the report’s description of standards and procedures. Only research staff at the Center will have access

to the completed questionnaires.

Returning the Questionnaire

The Center is to provide the results of this study to the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules prior to the

Committee’s March 1999 meeting. We ask that you please return the completed questionnaire in the enclosed

envelope or fax your response by January 15, 1999 to:

Marie Leary

Research Division

The Federal Judicial Center

One Columbus Circle, NE

Washington, DC 20002-8003

(202) 273-4021 (fax)

Questions

If you have any questions, please call Marie Leary or Bob Niemic at (202) 273-4070.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

1

Section A. Sources of Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in Bankruptcy Courts

The table in the enclosed Appendix 1 shows the status of local rules governing attorney conduct in each federal

district court and bankruptcy court. For each district court, the table identifies any local rule on standards of attorney

conduct published as of April 28, 1997. For each bankruptcy court, the table shows whether the court has a local

bankruptcy rule on standards of attorney conduct and, if so, the source of the standards adopted in the rule as far as we

could determine them.

Please locate your district in the table and refer to the information provided there as you answer Question 1

below. After you answer Question 1, please go to the box at the bottom of this page, find the instruction that

applies to you, and proceed to the specified question as directed. If you have any problems with the questionnaire,

please call Marie Leary at (202) 273-4070 for assistance.

1. To let us know whether the information in Appendix 1 is correct, which of the following best describes the

current situation in your bankruptcy court regarding standards governing attorney conduct?

Check all of the following that apply to your bankruptcy court:

a. ❑1 My bankruptcy court has a local bankruptcy rule that adopts the local rules of the district

court in general ; our local bankruptcy rule makes no specific mention of any district court

provision concerning attorney conduct and professional responsibility.

b. ❑2 My bankruptcy court has a local bankruptcy rule that specifically states that the bankruptcy

court has adopted the district court’s rules on attorney conduct, attorney discipline,

professional responsibility, or a similar phrase.

c. ❑3

 My bankruptcy court has developed its own attorney conduct standards and has incorporated

them into a local bankruptcy rule or adopted them by general order.

d. ❑4 My bankruptcy court has a local bankruptcy rule that adopts other standards to govern

attorney conduct such as the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct or Model Code of

Professional Responsibility; these standards are other than those in the district court local

rules.

e. ❑5 My bankruptcy court has no local district or bankruptcy rule, general order, promulgated

guideline, standing order, or other written court-wide standard that governs attorney conduct.

f. ❑6 None of the above describes the situation in my bankruptcy court.

If you checked a only or

a with any other combination— > Go to question 2.

If you checked b only or

b with any other combination— > Go to question 3.

If you checked c only— > Go to question 3.

If you checked d only— > Go to question 3.

If you checked c and d—> Go to question 3.

If you checked e or f— > Go to question 4.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

2

2. If your court has adopted the district court’s rules generally, is it correct to assume that your bankruptcy

court also follows or has adopted the district court’s attorney conduct standards (if any)?

❑1 No

❑2 Yes

3. To resolve attorney conduct issues, does your bankruptcy court (or do the judges in your bankruptcy court)

ever use standards or sets of standards other than the Bankruptcy Code, Federal Rules of Bankruptcy

Procedure, the formal standards referred to in the local bankruptcy rules, or the district court rules?

❑1No—> Go to Section B on next page.

❑2 Yes

If YES, please describe these standards and the frequency with which they are used. Then go to Section

B on next page.

4. When issues of attorney conduct arise, what standards or set of standards other than the Bankruptcy Code and

Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure does your bankruptcy court (or do the judges in your bankruptcy

court) apply to resolve the issues? After responding, go to Section B on next page.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

3

Section B. Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Please answer the following questions as they pertain to proceedings before you as an individual judge (i.e., do not

answer them as a representative of your bankruptcy court as a whole).

5. Type and Frequency of Attorney Conduct Issues in Bankruptcy. Please identify below (by

placing a check in the appropriate column) the frequency with which the following attorney conduct issues

have arisen before you during the past two years. Please include in your count both (1) actual findings

that a breach of conduct occurred and (2) instances where either a party raised allegations of unethical

conduct or you perceived that unethical conduct had occurred but no allegation was made. There is no need

to refer to specific case files or reported case law. Your estimate is sufficient. The full text of all ABA

Model Rules, national Bankruptcy Rules, and statutes cited below are in the enclosed Appendix 2.

Frequency With Which Attorney Conduct Issue Has

Arisen in the Past Two Years

Attorney Conduct Issues Never Once Two to

five

times

Six to

ten

times

More

than ten

times

5a. Conflict of Interest: the

conduct was such that the attorney was

disqualified or was the subject of a

disqualification motion on the basis of a

standard, such as ABA Model Rules 1.7

through 1.11, governing disqualification for

conflict of interest.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

5b. Conflict of Interest: the

conduct was such that the attorney was

disqualified or was the subject of a

disqualification motion on the basis of 11

U.S.C. § 327 or § 1103, governing

representation of an adverse interest or

conflicts of interest. Please include matters

that meet the criteria of this question 5b even

if the matters have also been included in

question 5a above.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

5c. Required Disclosures: the

conduct violated or allegedly violated

disclosure requirements of 11 U.S.C. §

329(a) or Bankruptcy Rules 2014 or 2016.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

5d. Safekeeping of Client

Property: the conduct violated or allegedly

violated standards analogous to those in ABA

Model Rule 1.15.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

5e. Attorneys’ Fees: the conduct

violated or allegedly violated standards

analogous to those in ABA Model Rule 1.5.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

4

Frequency With Which Attorney Conduct Issue Has

Arisen in the Past Two Years

Attorney Conduct Issues Never Once Two to

five

times

Six to

ten

times

More

than ten

times

5f. Lawyer as a Witness: the

conduct violated or allegedly violated

standards analogous to those in ABA Model

Rule 3.7.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

5g. Confidentiality: the conduct

violated or allegedly violated standards

analogous to those in ABA Model Rule 1.6.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

5h. Communication with

represented persons: the conduct violated

or allegedly violated standards analogous to

those in ABA Model Rule 4.2.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

5i. Candor Towards a Tribunal:

the conduct violated or allegedly violated

standards analogous to those in ABA Model

Rule 3.3.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

5j. Truthfulness in Statements

to Others: the conduct violated or allegedly

violated standards analogous to those in ABA

Model Rule 4.1.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

5k. Other: This question allows you to

describe any violations or allegations of

violations of any other standards (whether or

not covered by the ABA Model Rules).

Please describe below the subject of the

standard(s) involved and again identify (by

placing a check in the appropriate column)

the frequency with which each attorney

conduct issue has arisen before you during

the past two years. If more space is

needed, please use the “General Comments”

section on pages 9 through 11.

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

[ ] 1

[ ] 1

[ ] 1

[ ] 1

[ ] 2

[ ] 2

[ ] 2

[ ] 2

[ ] 3

[ ] 3

[ ] 3

[ ] 3

[ ] 4

[ ] 4

[ ] 4

[ ] 4

[ ] 5

[ ] 5

[ ] 5

[ ] 5
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

5

6. Adequacy of Standards Governing Attorney Conduct

6a. Do you think the “statutory” standards (i.e., those in the Bankruptcy Code and national

Bankruptcy Rules) for resolving bankruptcy-related issues of attorney conduct are adequate?

❑1 No.

❑2

 Yes.

If NO, please describe why these standards are inadequate:

6b. Do you think the non-statutory standards (i.e., standards other than those in the Bankruptcy

Code and national Bankruptcy Rules) your district uses to resolve bankruptcy-related issues of

attorney conduct are adequate?

❑1 No.

❑2

 Yes.

If NO, please describe why these standards are inadequate and what other sources you would turn to

to resolve attorney conduct issues (e.g., state ethics codes, model rules or codes):

6c. Are there any inconsistencies that you have found problematic between the statutory and nonstatutory attorney conduct standards as defined in Questions 6a and 6b above?

❑1 No.

❑2

 Yes.

If YES, please describe the inconsistency(ies) and the problem(s) they present:

6d. Are there attorney conduct issues that arise only in bankruptcy courts and are not covered or

adequately covered by existing statutory or non-statutory attorney conduct standards used by your

court?

❑1 No.

❑2

 Yes.

If YES, please describe those issues:
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

6

7. Adequacy of Disclosure Standards Regarding Employment of Attorneys

7a. Have you experienced any problems with the adequacy of disclosure by attorneys seeking

employment in bankruptcy cases?

❑1 No—>Go to question 8.

❑2 Yes—>Go to question 7b.

7b. Were any of the problems caused by inadequate requirements for disclosure in Bankruptcy Rule

2014?

❑1 No—>Go to question 8.

❑2 Yes—>Go to question 7c.

7c. If you have any suggestions for amending Bankruptcy Rule 2014 to improve the adequacy of

disclosure, please give them here:

8. National Uniform Attorney Conduct Standards in Bankruptcy Courts

The Standing Committee has been considering whether uniform standards of attorney conduct should be

adopted for the district and bankruptcy courts. The following questions seek your input on this issue.

8a. Should attorney conduct in all bankruptcy courts be governed by uniform standards?

❑1 No

❑2

 Yes

❑3

 Can’t say

8b. Assuming uniform standards are adopted, should the standards applied in bankruptcy courts be the

same as those applied in district courts?

❑1 No

❑2

 Yes

❑3

 Can’t say

Please explain why you think the standards should be the same or different in the bankruptcy and

district courts:
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

7

9. Suggested Uniform Standards. Please answer the following more specific questions about attorney conduct standards that --->

standards. For purposes of this inquiry, assume the national uniform standards would be identical or substantially similar to the--->

For each subject in Column 1, answer no or yes to the question in column 3 and then proceed according to the instructions given.

Column 1

Subject of Suggested

Uniform Standard

Column 2

ABA

Model

Rule

Column 3

Should bankruptcy courts have

a national uniform standard on

the subject in Column 1,

whether it be the ABA Model

Rule listed in Column 2 or

some other standard on the

subject?

Column 4

Should a national uniform standard

on the subject in Column 1 be the

same for bankruptcy and district

courts?

9a. Confidentiality of

Information

Rule 1.6 ❑1 No—> Go to question 9b.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

9b. General Rule on

Conflicts of Interest

Rule 1.7 ❑1 No—> Go to question 9c.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

9c. Conflict of Interest

Concerning Prohibited

Transactions

Rule 1.8 ❑1 No—> Go to question 9d.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

9d. Conflict of Interest

Concerning Former

Client

Rule 1.9 ❑1 No—> Go to question 9e.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

9e. Rule on Imputed

Disqualification

Rule 1.10 ❑1 No—> Go to question 9f.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

9f. Rule on Candor Towards

the Tribunal

Rule 3.3 ❑1 No—> Go to question 9g.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

9g. Rule on Lawyer as

Witness

Rule 3.7 ❑1 No—> Go to question 9h.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

9h. Rule on Truthfulness In

Statements to Others

Rule 4.1 ❑1 No—> Go to question 9i.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

9i. Rule on

Communications with

Person Represented by

Counsel.

Rule 4.2 ❑1 No—> Go to 9j on page 9.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

8

might be adopted on a national basis. Column 1 lists nine types of attorney conduct that could be governed by national uniform

ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct listed in column 2 (see the enclosed Appendix 2 for the text of the ABA Model Rules).

Make sure to explain in Column 5 your response given in Column 4. Feel free to use pages 9 through 11 if you need more space.

Column 5

•If you answered “No” in Column 4, explain how the bankruptcy standard on the subject in Column 1

should differ from any national uniform standard drafted for use in district courts.

•If you answered “Yes” in Column 4, state whether the national uniform standard should be based on the

ABA Model Rule in Column 2 or on a different standard. If different, explain how the national uniform

standard should differ from the ABA Model Rule.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

9

9 j . Other Standards. Should a national uniform standard on any other attorney conduct issue be

drafted for use in all bankruptcy courts?

❑1 No

❑2

 Yes

If YES, please describe the standard:

General Comments

Please use the space below to add any comments you think would help the Standing Committee understand the

current issues and problems facing bankruptcy courts with regard to attorney conduct.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR COOPERATION!
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

10

Questionnaire for Chief Judges of United States Bankruptcy Courts

on Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Appendix 1

Rules Governing Attorney Conduct

in the Federal District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts

Circuit District Local Rule

Regulating Attorney Conduct

District Courts1

Local Rule and Source of Standards Governing

Attorney Conduct

Bankruptcy Courts2

1 Mass. Local Rule 83.6(4) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

1 Me. Local Rule 83.3 No Local Bankruptcy Rule3

1 N.H. Local Rule 83.5

(DR-1 and DR-5)

No Local Bankruptcy Rule

1 P.R. Local Rule 211.4(b)

(renumbered as Rule 83.5 but effective date

unknown at present)

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

1 R.I. Local Rule 4(d) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)4

2 Conn. Local Civil Rule 3(a) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

2 N.Y.-E Local Civil Rule 1.5(b)(5) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

2 N.Y.-N Local Rule 83.4(j) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

2 N.Y.-S Local Civil Rule 1.5(b)(5) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

2 N.Y.-W Local Civil Rule 83.3( c ) Local Bankruptcy Rule: local rule does not state

standard to be applied.

2 Vt. Local Civil Rule 83.2(d)(4) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

3 Del. Local Rule 83.6(d) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

3 N.J. Local Civil Rules 103.1(a) & 104.1(d) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

3 Pa.-E Local Civil Rule 83.6, Rule IV Local Bankruptcy Rule: local rule does not state

standard to be applied.

3 Pa.-M Local Rule 83.23 & Appendix D: Code of

Professional Conduct

Local Bankruptcy Rule: local rule does not state

standard to be applied.

3 Pa.-W Local Civil Rule 83.6.1 Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

3 V.I. Local Civil Rules 83.2(a)(1) & (b)(4) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

4 Md. Local Rule 704 Local Bankruptcy Rule 42(k): Counsel are

“encouraged to be familiar” with the

“Discovery Guidelines of the Maryland State

Bar.”

4 N.C.-E Local Rule 2.10 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

 

1 The identification and categorization of each district’s local rule is based upon the published local rule in effect on April 28, 1997. See

Marie Leary, Standards of Attorney Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures: A Study of the Federal District Courts (Federal Judicial Center June

1997) in Working Papers of the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure: Special Studies of Federal Rules Governing Attorney Conduct

(Administrative Office of the United States Courts September 1997).

2 The sources of standards governing attorney conduct adopted by bankruptcy court local rules are from Daniel R. Coquillette, Study of

Recent Bankruptcy Cases (1990-1996) Involving Rules of Attorney Conduct, App. III (May 11, 1997) in Working Papers of the Committee on

Rules of Practice and Procedure: Special Studies of Federal Rules Governing Attorney Conduct (Administrative Office of the United States

Courts September 1997).

3 Where a Bankruptcy Court is listed as having “No Local Bankruptcy Rule,” the court has no promulgated local bankruptcy rule addressing

standards of attorney conduct.

4 Where a Bankruptcy Court is listed as having “Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s Rule(s),” this includes two types of local

bankruptcy rules: (1) local bankruptcy rules that adopt the local rules of the district court in general making no reference to provisions

concerning attorney conduct and professional responsibility, and (2) local bankruptcy rules that specifically state that they have adopted the

district court’s rules on attorney conduct, attorney discipline, professional responsibility, or a similar phrase.
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Circuit District Local Rule

Regulating Attorney Conduct

District Courts1

Local Rule and Source of Standards Governing

Attorney Conduct

Bankruptcy Courts2

4 N.C.-M Local Rule 505 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

4 N.C.-W General Local Rule 1 & Guidelines for

Resolving Scheduling Conflicts Order

No Local Bankruptcy Rule

4 S.C. Local Rule 83.I.09 Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopts SC Code of Prof.

Resp.

4 Va.-E Local Rule 83.1 & Appendix B: Federal Rules

of Disciplinary Enforcement, Rule IV

Local Bankruptcy Rule 105(I): adopts Canons of

Prof. Ethics of the ABA & the Va. State Bar

4 Va.W Local Rules for W.D. Va., Federal Rules of

Disciplinary Enforcement, Disciplinary Rule 4

No Local Bankruptcy Rule

4 W.Va.-N Local Rule of General Practice 3.01 Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

4 W.Va.-S Local Rule of General Practice 3.01 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

5 La.-E Local Rule 83.2.4E No Local Bankruptcy Rule

5 La.-M Local Rule 20.04M Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopts rules of

Professional Conduct of LA State Bar Assoc.

5 La.-W Local Rule 20.04W Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

5 Miss.-N Local Rule 21 Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

5 Miss.-S Local Rule 21 Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

5 Tex.-E Local Rule AT-2(a) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

5 Tex.-N Local Rule 83.8(e), Local Criminal Rule

57.8(e).

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

5 Tex.-S Local Rule 1(L) & Appendix A, Rule 1 Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

5 Tex.-W Local Rule AT-4 & Appendix M: Texas

Lawyer Creed

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s) and references “litigation standard”

announced in local case and states that it applies.

6 Ky.-E Local Rule 83.3( c ) & Local Criminal Rule

57.3( c )

No Local Bankruptcy Rule

6 Ky.-W Local Rule 83.3( c ) & Local Criminal Rule

57.3( c )

Local Bankruptcy Rule 3(b)(2)(E): adopts

Standards of Professional Conduct adopted by

Ky. Supreme Court

6 Mich.-E Local Rule 83.22(d) & Civility Plan (includes

Civility Principles based on the 7th Circuit

model)

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

6 Mich.-W Local Rules 17 & 21(a) Local Bankruptcy Rule: authorizes discipline of

attorneys but does not state standard to be

applied.

6 Ohio-N Local Civil Rule 83.5(b) & Local Criminal Rule

57.5(b)

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

6 Ohio-S Local Rule 83.4(f) referencing Appendix of

Court Orders, Order 81-1, Rule IV

Local Bankruptcy Rule 4: adopts Code of Prof.

Resp. adopted by Ohio S.Ct.

6 Tenn.-E Local Rules 83.6 & 83.7 Local Bankruptcy Rule 2(c): adopts Code of

Prof. Conduct adopted by Supreme Court of

Tenn.

6 Tenn.-M Local Rule 1(e)(4) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s) and has

Local Bankruptcy Rule: asserts jurisdiction to

enforce standards of conduct.
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Circuit District Local Rule

Regulating Attorney Conduct

District Courts1

Local Rule and Source of Standards Governing

Attorney Conduct

Bankruptcy Courts2

6 Tenn.-W Local Rule 83.1(e) & Guidelines for

Professional Responsibility and Courtesy and

Conduct of Memphis Bar Association adopted

by the W.D. Tenn. (on file with clerk)

Local Bankruptcy Rule: refers to ABA Code and

District Court rules as they relate to attorney

conduct.

7 Ill.-C Local Rule 83.6(D) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

7 Ill.-N5 Local General Rule 3.52 incorporating Rules

of Professional Conduct for the N.D. Ill.,

General Order of 10/29/91 with respect to

adoption of the N.D. Ill. Rules & Seventh

Circuit Standards of Professional Conduct

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

7 Ill.-S Local Rule 29(d) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

7 Ind.-N Local Rule 83.5(f) & Seventh Circuit Standards

of Professional Conduct

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

7 Ind.-S Local Rule 83.5(f), Rule IV of Rules of

Disciplinary Enforcement & Seventh Circuit

Standards of Professional Conduct

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

7 Wis.-E Local Rule 2.05(a) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

7 Wis.-W No Local Bankruptcy Rule No Local Bankruptcy Rule

8 Ark.-E Local Rules for E. & W.D. Ark., Appendix:

Model Federal Rules of Disciplinary

Enforcement, Rule IV

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted Uniform

Federal Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement.

8 Ark.-W Local Rules for E. & W.D. Ark., Appendix:

Model Federal Rules of Disciplinary

Enforcement, Rule IV

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted Uniform

Federal Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement.

8 Iowa-N No Local Bankruptcy Rule Local Bankruptcy Rule: modified standards

8 Iowa-S No Local Bankruptcy Rule Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

8 Minn. Local Rule 83.6(d) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

8 Mo.-E Local Rule 12.02 & Rules of Disciplinary

Enforcement, Rule IV

No Local Bankruptcy Rule

8 Mo.-W Local Rule 83.6 Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

8 Neb. Local Rule 83.5(d) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

8 N.D. No Local Bankruptcy Rule Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

8 S.D. No Local Bankruptcy Rule Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

9 Alaska Local Rule 83.1(h) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

9 Ariz. Local Rule 1.6(d) & Standards for Professional

Conduct adopted by D. Ariz.

Local Bankruptcy Rule 9011: refers to ethics

rules adopted by the state of Arizona.

9 Cal.-C Local Civil Rule 2.5 Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

9 Cal.-E Local General Rule 180(e) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

9 Cal.-N Local Civil Rule 11-3(a) Local Bankruptcy Rule: incorporated into

District Court Rules

9 Cal.-S Local Rule 83.5i No Local Bankruptcy Rule

 

5

 The approach adopted by the N.D. Ill.’s local rule does not fit into any of the three approaches in the table because the N.D. Ill. has adopted

a standard of conduct unique to their district that does not follow state standards nor any ABA Model.
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Circuit District Local Rule

Regulating Attorney Conduct

District Courts1

Local Rule and Source of Standards Governing

Attorney Conduct

Bankruptcy Courts2

9 Guam Local General Rule 22.3(b) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

9 Haw. Local Rule 110-3 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

9 Idaho Local Rule 83.5(a) Local Bankruptcy Rule 9010(g): adopted Rules

of Professional Conduct adopted by S.Ct. of

Idaho.

9 Mont. Local General Rule 110-3(a) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

9 Nev. Local Rule IA 10-7(a) No separate bankruptcy rules; only bankruptcy

specific rules in District Court’s rules.

9 N.M.I. Local Rule 1.5 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

9 Or. Local Civil Rule 110-3 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

9 Wash.-E Local Rule 83.3(a)(2) No Local Bankruptcy Rule

9 Wash.-W Local General Rule 2(e) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

10 Colo. Local Rule 83.6 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

10 Kan. Local Rule 83.6.1 Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

10 N.M. Local Rule 83.9 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

10 Okla.-E Local Rule 83.3K No Local Bankruptcy Rule

10 Okla.-N Local Rule 83.2 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

10 Okla.-W Local Rule 83.6(b) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

10 Utah Local Rule 103-1(h)

10 Wyo. Local Rule 83.12.7 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

11 Ala.-M Local Rule 1(a)(4)

(renumbered and amended to Local Rule

83.1(f) but no effective date known at present)

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

11 Ala.-N Local Civil Rule 83.1(f) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

11 Ala.-S Local Rule 1(A)(4)

(renumbered and amended to Local Rule

83.5(f); effective 6/1/97)

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted ABA Rules and

State Rules

11 Fla.-M Local Rule 2.04( c ) Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted ABA Rules and

State Rules

11 Fla.-N Local General Rule 11.1(G)(1) & Addendum:

Customary and Traditional Conduct and

Decorum in the US District Court

Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

11 Fla.-S Local General Rule 11.1( C ) & Rules

Governing Attorney Discipline, Rule IV

Local Bankruptcy Rule: Attorney must read and

remain familiar with Florida Bar’s Rules of Prof.

Conduct. No explicit statement on whether these

rules apply or govern.

11 Ga.-M Local Rule 13.1 No Local Bankruptcy Rule

11 Ga.-N Local Rule 83.1C Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)

11 Ga.-S Local Rule 83.5(d) Local Bankruptcy Rule 505(d): adopts “Current

Canons of Professional Ethics of the ABA”.

DC D.C. Local Rule 706 Local Bankruptcy Rule: adopted District Court’s

Rule(s)
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Questionnaire for Chief Judges of United States Bankruptcy Courts

on Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Appendix 2

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Rule 1.5 FEES

(a) A lawyer’s fee shall be reasonable. The factors to be considered in determining the

reasonableness of a fee include the following:

(1) the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the

skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;

(2) the likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment

will preclude other employment by the lawyer;

(3) the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;

(4) the amount involved and the results obtained;

(5) the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances;

(6) the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client;

(7) the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services;

and

(8) whether the fee is fixed or contingent.

(b) When the lawyer has not regularly represented the client, the basis or rate of the fee shall be

communicated to the client, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable time after

commencing the representation.

(c) A fee may be contingent on the outcome of a matter for which the service is rendered, except

in a matter in which a contingent fee is prohibited by paragraph (d) or other law. A

contingent fee agreement shall be in writing and shall state the method by which the fee is to

be determined, including the percentage or percentages that shall accrue to the lawyer in the

event of settlement, trial or appeal, litigation and other expenses to be deducted from the

recovery, and whether such expenses are to be deducted before or after the contingent fee is

calculated. Upon conclusion of a contingent fee matter, the lawyer shall provide the client

with a written statement stating the outcome of the matter and, if there is a recovery, showing

the remittance to the client and the method of its determination.

(d) A lawyer shall not enter into an arrangement for, charge, or collect:

(1) any fee in a domestic relations matter, the payment or amount of which is contingent

upon the securing of a divorce or upon the amount of alimony or support, or property

settlement in lieu thereof; or

(2) a contingent fee for representing a defendant in a criminal case.

(e) A division of a fee between lawyers who are not in the same firm may be made only if:

(1) the division is in proportion to the services performed by each lawyer or, by written

agreement with the client, each lawyer assumes joint responsibility for the

representation;

(2) the client is advised of and does not object to the participation of all the lawyers

involved; and

(3) the total fee is reasonable.

Rule 1.6 CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION

(a) A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to representation of a client unless the client

consents after consultation, except for disclosures that are impliedly authorized in order to

carry out the representation, and except as stated in paragraph (b).

(b) A lawyer may reveal such information to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes

necessary:

(1) to prevent the client from committing a criminal act that the lawyer believes is likely to

result in imminent death or substantial bodily harm; or

(2) to establish a claim or defense on behalf of the lawyer in a controversy between the

lawyer and the client, to establish a defense to a criminal charge or civil claim
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against the lawyer based upon conduct in which the client was involved, or to respond to

allegations in any proceeding concerning the lawyer’s representation of the client.

Rule 1.7 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: GENERAL RULE

(a) A lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of that client will be directly adverse

to another client, unless:

(1) the lawyer reasonably believes the representation will not adversely affect the

relationship with the other client; and

(2) the client consents after consultation. When representation of multiple clients in a single

matter is undertaken, the consultation shall include explanation of the implications of the

common representation and the advantages and risks involved.

Rule 1.8 CONFLICT OF INTEREST; PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS

(a) A lawyer shall not enter into a business transaction with a client and knowingly acquire an

ownership, possessory, security or other pecuniary interest adverse to a client unless:

(1) the transaction and terms on which the lawyer acquires the interest are fair and

reasonable to the client and are fully disclosed and transmitted in writing to the client in

a manner which can be reasonably understood by the client;

(2) the client is given a reasonable opportunity to seek the advice of independent counsel in

the transaction; and

(3) the client consents in writing thereto.

(b) A lawyer shall not use information relating to representation of a client to the disadvantage

of the client unless the client consents after consultation, except as permitted or required by

Rule 1.6 or Rule 3.3.

(c) A lawyer shall not prepare an instrument giving the lawyer or a person related to the lawyer

as parent, child, sibling, or spouse any substantial gift from a client, including a testamentary

gift, except where the client is related to the donee.

(d) Prior to the conclusion of representation of a client, a lawyer shall not make or negotiate an

agreement giving the lawyer literary or media rights to a portrayal or account based in

substantial part of information relating to the representation.

(e) A lawyer shall not provide financial assistance to a client in connection with pending or

contemplated litigation, except that:

(1) a lawyer may advance court costs and expenses of litigation, the repayment of which

may be contingent on the outcome of the matter; and

(2) a lawyer representing an indigent client may pay court costs and expenses of litigation

on behalf of the client.

(f) A lawyer shall not accept compensation for representing a client from one other than the

client unless:

(1) the client consents after consultation;

(2) there is no interference with the lawyer’s independence of professional judgement or

with the client-lawyer relationship; and

(3) information relating to representation of a client is protected as required by Rule 1.6.

(g) A lawyer who represents two or more clients shall not participate in making an aggregate

settlement of the claims of or against the clients, or in a criminal case an aggregated

agreement as to guilty or nolo contendere pleas, unless each client consents after

consultation, including disclosure of the existence and nature of all the claims or pleas

involved and of the participation of each person in the settlement.

(h) A lawyer shall not make an agreement prospectively limiting the lawyer’s liability to a client

for malpractice unless permitted by law and the client is independently represented in

making the agreement, or settle a claim for such liability with an unrepresented client or

former client without first advising that person in writing that independent representation is

appropriate in connection therewith.

(i) A lawyer related to another lawyer as parent, child, sibling or spouse shall not represent a

client in a representation directly adverse to a person whom the lawyer knows is represented

by the other lawyer exempt upon consent by the client after consultation regarding the

relationship.
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(j) A lawyer shall not acquire a proprietary interest in the cause of action or subject matter of

litigation the lawyer is conducting for a client, except that the lawyer may:

(1) acquire a lien granted by law to secure the lawyer’s fee or expenses; and

(2) contract with a client for a reasonable contingent fee in a civil case.

Rule 1.9 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: FORMER CLIENT

(a) A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent

another person in the same or a substantially related matter in which that person’s interests

are materially adverse to the interests of the former client unless the former client consents

after consultation.

(b) A lawyer shall not knowingly represent a person in the same or a substantially related matter

in which a firm with which the lawyer formerly was associated had previously represented a

client

(1) whose interests are materially adverse to that person; and

(2) about whom the lawyer had acquired information protected by Rule 1.6 and 1.9(c) that

is material to the matter;

unless the former client consents after consultation.

(c) A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter or whose present or former firm

has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter:

(1) use information relating to the representation to the disadvantage of the former client

except as Rule 1.6 or Rule 3.3 would permit or require with respect to a client, or when

the information has become generally known; or

(2) reveal information relating to the representation except as Rule 1.6 or Rule 3.3 would

permit or require with respect to a client.

Rule 1.10 IMPUTED DISQUALIFICATION: GENERAL RULE

(a) While lawyers are associated in a firm, none of them shall knowingly represent a client when

any one of them practicing alone would be prohibited from doing so by Rules 1.7, 1.8(c),

1.9, or 2.2.

(b) When a lawyer has terminated an association with a firm, the firm is not prohibited from

thereafter representing a person with interests materially adverse to those of a client

represented by the firm, unless:

(1) the matter is the same or substantially related to that in which the formerly associated

lawyer represented the client; and

(2) any lawyer remaining in the firm has information protected by Rules 1.6 and 1.9(c) that

is material to the matter.

(c) A disqualification prescribed by this rule may be waived by the affected client under the

conditions stated in Rule 1.7.

Rule 1.11 SUCCESSIVE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT

(a) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer shall not represent a private client in

connection with a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially as a

public officer or employee, unless the appropriate government agency consents after

consultation. No lawyer in a firm with which that lawyer is associated may knowingly

undertake or continue representation in such a matter unless:

(1) the disqualified lawyer is screened from any participation in the matter and is

apportioned no part of the fee therefrom; and

(2) written notice is promptly given to the appropriate government agency to enable it to

ascertain compliance with the provisions of this rule.

(b) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer having information that the lawyer

knows is confidential government information about a person acquired when the lawyer was

a public officer or employee, may not represent a private client whose interests are adverse

to that person in a matter in which the information could be used to the material

disadvantage of that person. A firm with which that lawyer is associated may undertake or

continue representation in the matter only if the disqualified lawyer is screened from any

participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee therefrom.
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(c) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer serving as a public officer or

employee shall not:

(1) participate in a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially while

in private practice or nongovernmental employment, unless under applicable law no one

is, or by lawful delegation may be, authorized to act in the lawyer’s stead in the matter;

or

(2) negotiate for private employment with any person who is involved as a party or as

lawyer for a party in a matter in which the lawyer is participating personally and

substantially, except that a lawyer serving as a law clerk to a judge, other adjudicative

officer or arbitrator may negotiate for private employment as permitted by Rule 1.12(b)

and subject to the conditions stated in Rule 1.12(b).

(d) As used in this Rule, the term “matter” includes:

(1) any judicial or other proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination,

contract, claim, controversy, investigation, charge, accusation, arrest or other particular

matter involving a specific party or parties, and

(2) any other matter covered by the conflict of interest rules of the appropriate government

agency.

(e) As used in this Rule, the term “confidential government information” means information

which has been obtained under governmental authority and which, at the time this rule is

applied, the government is prohibited by law from disclosing to the public or has a legal

privilege not to disclose, and which is not otherwise available to the public.

Rule 1.15 SAFEKEEPING PROPERTY

(a) A lawyer shall hold property of clients or third persons that is in a lawyer’s possession in

connection with a representation separate from the lawyer’ own property. Funds shall be

kept in a separate account maintained in the state where the lawyer’s office is situated, or

elsewhere with the consent of the client or third person. Other property shall be identified as

such and appropriately safeguarded. Complete records of such account funds and other

property shall be kept by the lawyer and shall be preserved for a period of [five years] after

termination of the representation.

(b) Upon receiving funds or other property in which a client or third person has an interest, a

lawyer shall promptly notify the client or third person. Except as stated in this rule or

otherwise permitted by law or by agreement with the client, a lawyer shall promptly deliver

to the client or third person any funds or other property that the client or third persons

entitled to receive and, upon request by the client or third person, shall promptly render a

full accounting regarding such property.

(c) When in the course of representation a lawyer is in possession of property in which both the

lawyer and another person claim interests, the property shall be kept separate by the lawyer

until there is an accounting and severance of their interests. If a dispute arises concerning

their respective interests, the portion in dispute shall be kept separate by the lawyer until the

dispute is resolved.

Rule 3.3 CANDOR TOWARD THE TRIBUNAL

(a) A lawyer shall not knowingly:

(1) make a false statement of material fact or law to a tribunal;

(2) fail to disclose a material fact to a tribunal when disclosure is necessary to avoid

assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by the client;

(3) fail to disclose to the tribunal legal authority in the controlling jurisdiction known to the

lawyer to be directly adverse to the position of the client and not disclosed by opposing

counsel; or

(4) offer evidence that the lawyer knows to be false. If a lawyer has offered material

evidence and comes to know of its falsity, the lawyer shall take reasonable remedial

measures.

(b) The duties stated in paragraph (a) continue to the conclusion of the proceeding, and apply

even if compliance requires disclosure of information otherwise protected by Rule 1.6.

(c) A lawyer may refuse to offer evidence that the lawyer reasonably believes is false.
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(d) In an ex parte proceeding, a lawyer shall inform the tribunal of all material facts known to

the lawyer which will enable the tribunal to make an informed decision, whether or not the

facts are adverse.

Rule 3.7 LAWYER AS WITNESS

(a) A lawyer shall not act as advocate at a trial in which the lawyer is likely to be a necessary

witness except where:

(1) the testimony relates to an uncontested issue;

(2) the testimony relates to the nature and value of legal services rendered in the case; or

(3) disqualification of the lawyer would work substantial hardship on the client.

(b) A lawyer may act as advocate in a trial in which another lawyer in the lawyer’s firm is likely

to be called as a witness unless precluded from doing so by Rule 1.7 or Rule 1.9.

Rule 4.1 TRUTHFULNESS IN STATEMENTS TO OTHERS

In the course of representing a client a lawyer shall not knowingly:

(a) make a false statement of material fact or law to a third person; or

(b) fail to disclose a material act to a third person when disclosure is necessary to avoid

assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by a client, unless disclosure is prohibited by Rule 1.6.

Rule 4.2 COMMUNICATION WITH PERSON REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL

In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation

with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer

has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized by law to do so.

UNITED STATES CODE

11 USC § 101

§ 101. Definitions.

In this title— . . . .

(14) “disinterested person” means person that—

(A) is not a creditor, an equity security holder, or an insider;

(B) is not and was not an investment banker for any outstanding security of the debtor;

(C) has not been, within three years before the date of the filing of the petition, an

investment banker for a security of the debtor, or an attorney for such an investment

banker in connection with the offer, sale, or issuance of a security of the debtor;

(D) is not and was not, within two years before the date of the filing of the petition, a

director, officer, or employee of the debtor or of an investment banker specified in

subparagraph (B) or (C) of this paragraph; and

(E) does not have an interest materially adverse to the interest of the estate or of any class of

creditors or equity security holders, by reason of any direct or indirect relationship to,

connection with or interest in, the debtor or an investment banker specified in

subparagraph (B) or (C) of this paragraph, or for any other reason;

11 USC § 327

§ 327. Employment of professional persons.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the trustee, with the court’s approval, may

employ one or more attorneys, accountants, appraisers, auctioneers, or other professional

persons, that do not hold or represent an interest adverse to the estate, and that are

disinterested persons, to represent or assist the trustee in carrying out the trustee’s duties

under this title.

(b) If the trustee is authorized to operate the business of the debtor under section 721, 1202, or

1108 of this title, and if the debtor has regularly employed attorneys, accountants, or other

professional persons on salary, the trustee may retain or replace such professional persons

if necessary in the operation of such business.

(c) In a case under chapter 7, 12, or 11 of this title, a person is not disqualified for employment

under this section solely because of such person’s employment by or representation of a

creditor, unless there is objection by another creditor or the United States trustee, in
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which case the court shall disapprove such employment if there is an actual conflict of

interest.

(d) The court may authorize the trustee to act as attorney or accountant for the estate if such

authorization is in the best interest of the estate.

(e) The trustee, with the court’s approval, may employ, for a specified special purpose, other

than to represent the trustee in conducting the case, an attorney that has represented the

debtor, if in the best interest of the estate, and if such attorney does not represent or hold

any interest adverse to the debtor or to the estate with respect to the matter on which such

attorney is to be employed.

(f) The trustee may not employ a person that has served as an examiner in the case.

11 USC § 328

§ 328. Limitation on compensation of professional persons.

(c) Except as provided in section 327(c), 327(e), or 1107(b) of this title, the court may deny

allowance of compensation for services and reimbursement of expenses of a professional

person employed under section 327 or 1103 of this title if, at any time during such

professional person’s employment under section 327 or 1103 of this title, such professional

person is not a disinterested person, or represents or holds an interest adverse to the interest

of the estate with respect to the matter on which such professional person is employed.

11 USC § 329

§ 329. Debtor’s transactions with attorneys.

(a) Any attorney representing a debtor in a case under this title, or in connection with such a

case, whether or not such attorney applies for compensation under this title, shall file with

the court a statement of the compensation paid or agreed to be paid, If such payment or

agreement was made after one year before the date of the filing of the petition, for services

rendered or to be rendered in contemplation of or in connection with the case by such

attorney, and the source of such compensation.

11 USC § 1103

§ 1103. Powers and duties of committees.

(a) At a scheduled meeting of a committee appointed under section 1102 of this title, at which a

majority of the members of such committee are present, and with the court’s approval, such

committee may select and authorize the employment by such committee of one or more

attorneys, accountants, or other agents, to represent or perform services for such committee.

(b) An attorney or accountant employed to represent a committee appointed under section 1102

of this title may not, while employed by such committee, represent any other entity having

an adverse interest in connection with the case. Representation of one or more creditors of

the same class as represented by the committee shall not per se constitute the representation

of an adverse interest.

(c) A committee appointed under section 1102 of this title may—

(1) consult with the trustee or debtor in possession concerning the administration of the

case;

(2) investigate the acts, conduct, assets, liabilities, and financial condition of the debtor, the

operation of the debtor’s business and the desirability of the continuance of such

business, and any other matter relevant to the case or to the formulation of a plan;

(3) participate in the formulation of a plan, advise those represented by such committee of

such committee’s determinations as to any plan formulated, and collect and file with the

court acceptances or rejections of a plan;

(4) request the appointment of a trustee or examiner under section 1104 of this title; and

(5) perform such other services as are in the interest of those represented.

(d) As soon as practicable after the appointment of a committee under section 1102 of this title,

the trustee shall meet with such committee to transact such business as may be necessary

and proper.

FEDERAL RULES OF BANKRUPTCY PROCEDURE
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

20

RULE 2014. Employment of Professional Persons.

(a) Application for and Order of Employment. An order approving the employment of

attorneys, accountants, appraisers, auctioneers, agents, or other professionals pursuant to

327, § 1103, or § 1114 of the Code shall be made only on application of the trustee or

committee. The application shall be filed and, unless the case is a chapter 9 municipality

case, a copy of the application shall be transmitted by the applicant to the United States

trustee. The application shall state the specific facts showing the necessity for the

employment, the name of the person to be employed, the reasons for the selection, the

professional services to be rendered, any proposed arrangement for compensation, and, to

the best of the applicant’s knowledge, all of the person’s connections with the debtor,

creditors, any other party in interest, their respective attorneys and accountants, the United

States trustee or any person employed in the office of the United States trustee. The

application shall be accompanied by a verified statement of the person to be employed

setting forth the person’s connections with the debtor, creditors, or any other party in

interest, their respective attorneys and accountants, the United States trustee, or any person

employed in the office of the United States trustee.

(b) Services Rendered by Member or Associate of Firm of Attorneys or Accountants. If,

under the Code and this rule, a law partnership or corporation is employed as an attorney, or

an accounting partnership or corporation is employed as an accountant, or if a named

attorney or accountant is employed, any partner, member, or regular associate of the

partnership, corporation or individual may act as attorney or accountant so employed,

without further order of the court.

Rule 2016. Compensation for Services Rendered and Reimbursement of Expenses.

(a) Application for Compensation or Reimbursement. An entity seeking interim or final

compensation for services, or reimbursement of necessary expenses, from the estate shall

file with the court an application setting forth a detailed statement of (1) the services

rendered, time expended and expenses incurred, and (2) the amounts requested. An

application for compensation shall include a statement as to what payments have theretofore

been made or promised to the applicant for services rendered or to be rendered in any

capacity whatsoever in connection with the case, the source of the compensation so paid or

promised, whether any compensation previously received has been shared and whether an

agreement or understanding exists between the applicant and any other entity for the sharing

of compensation received or to be received for services rendered in or in connection with the

case, and the particulars of any sharing of compensation or agreement or understanding

therefor, except that details of any agreement by the applicant for the sharing of

compensation as a member or regular associate of a firm of lawyers or accountants shall not

be required. The requirements of this subdivision shall apply to an application for

compensation for services rendered by an attorney or accountant even though the

application is filed by a creditor or other entity. Unless the case is a chapter 9 municipality

case, the applicant shall transmit to the United States trustee a copy of the application.

(b) Disclosure of Compensation Paid or Promised to Attorney for Debtor. Every

attorney for a debtor, whether or not the attorney applies for compensation, shall file and

transmit to the United States trustee within 15 days after the order for relief, or at another

time as the court may direct, the statement required by § 329 of the Code including whether

the attorney has shared or agreed to share the compensation with any other entity. The

statement shall include the particulars of any such sharing or agreement to share by the

attorney, but the details of any agreement for the sharing of the compensation with a

member or regular associate of the attorney’s law firm shall not be required. A

supplemental statement shall be filed and transmitted to the United States trustee with 15

days after any payment or agreement not previously disclosed.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

Appendix B

J U D

I

C I A

F

L

E

D

E

R A L

C E N T E R

Standards Governing

Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Questionnaire for Judges

of United States Bankruptcy Courts

Purpose and Instructions

The Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure (the Standing Committee) is studying

whether nonuniformity in attorney conduct standards across districts has any negative or positive effects. The

Standing Committee has asked the Federal Judicial Center to conduct a study of attorney conduct issues in the

bankruptcy courts. This questionnaire, developed with the assistance of the Judicial Conference’s Advisory

Committee on Bankruptcy Rules, asks about the adequacy of the formal and informal sources of attorney conduct

standards in your bankruptcy court, the type and frequency of attorney conduct issues that have arisen in your court,

and the need for national uniform attorney conduct rules for bankruptcy courts. This questionnaire has been sent to

all bankruptcy judges; a similar questionnaire was sent to all chief bankruptcy judges. A similar study has already

been completed for district courts.

If you need more space to answer any question, please use the “General Comments” section on page 8 of the

questionnaire. Please give the number of the question you are answering. Attach additional sheets if necessary.

Presentation of Responses

Individual respondents will not be identified in the report prepared for the Advisory Committee, but districts may

be identified in the report’s description of standards and procedures. Only research staff at the Center will have access

to the completed questionnaires.

Returning the Questionnaire

The Center is to provide the results of this study to the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules prior to the

Committee’s March 1999 meeting. We ask that you please return the completed questionnaire in the enclosed

envelope or fax your response by January 15, 1999 to:

Marie Leary

Research Division

The Federal Judicial Center

One Columbus Circle, NE

Washington, DC 20002-8003

(202) 273-4021 (fax)

Questions

If you have any questions, please call Marie Leary or Bob Niemic at (202) 273-4070.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

2

Please answer the following questions as they pertain to proceedings before you as an individual judge (i.e., do not

answer them as a representative of your bankruptcy court as a whole).

1. Type and Frequency of Attorney Conduct Issues in Bankruptcy. Please identify below (by

placing a check in the appropriate column) the frequency with which the following attorney conduct issues

have arisen before you during the past two years. Please include in your count both (1) actual findings

that a breach of conduct occurred and (2) instances where either a party raised allegations of unethical

conduct or you perceived that unethical conduct had occurred but no allegation was made. There is no need

to refer to specific case files or reported case law. Your estimate is sufficient. The full text of all ABA

Model Rules, national Bankruptcy Rules, and statutes cited below are in the enclosed Appendix .

Frequency With Which Attorney Conduct Issue Has

Arisen in the Past Two Years

Attorney Conduct Issues Never Once Two to

five

times

Six to

ten

times

More

than ten

times

1a. Conflict of Interest: the

conduct was such that the attorney was

disqualified or was the subject of a

disqualification motion on the basis of a

standard, such as ABA Model Rules 1.7

through 1.11, governing disqualification for

conflict of interest.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

1b. Conflict of Interest: the

conduct was such that the attorney was

disqualified or was the subject of a

disqualification motion on the basis of 11

U.S.C. § 327 or § 1103, governing

representation of an adverse interest or

conflicts of interest. Please include matters

that meet the criteria of this question 1b even

if the matters have also been included in

question 1a above.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

1c. Required Disclosures: the

conduct violated or allegedly violated

disclosure requirements of 11 U.S.C. §

329(a) or Bankruptcy Rules 2014 or 2016.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

1d. Safekeeping of Client

Property: the conduct violated or allegedly

violated standards analogous to those in ABA

Model Rule 1.15.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

1e. Attorneys’ Fees: the conduct

violated or allegedly violated standards

analogous to those in ABA Model Rule 1.5.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

3

Frequency With Which Attorney Conduct Issue Has

Arisen in the Past Two Years

Attorney Conduct Issues Never Once Two to

five

times

Six to

ten

times

More

than ten

times

1f. Lawyer as a Witness: the

conduct violated or allegedly violated

standards analogous to those in ABA Model

Rule 3.7.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

1g. Confidentiality: the conduct

violated or allegedly violated standards

analogous to those in ABA Model Rule 1.6.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

1h. Communication with

represented persons: the conduct violated

or allegedly violated standards analogous to

those in ABA Model Rule 4.2.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

1i. Candor Towards a Tribunal:

the conduct violated or allegedly violated

standards analogous to those in ABA Model

Rule 3.3.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

1j. Truthfulness in Statements

to Others: the conduct violated or allegedly

violated standards analogous to those in ABA

Model Rule 4.1.

[ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5

1k. Other: This question allows you to

describe any violations or allegations of

violations of any other standards (whether or

not covered by the ABA Model Rules).

Please describe below the subject of the

standard(s) involved and again identify (by

placing a check in the appropriate column)

the frequency with which each attorney

conduct issue has arisen before you during

the past two years. If more space is

needed, please use the “General Comments”

section on page 8.

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

[ ] 1

[ ] 1

[ ] 1

[ ] 1

[ ] 2

[ ] 2

[ ] 2

[ ] 2

[ ] 3

[ ] 3

[ ] 3

[ ] 3

[ ] 4

[ ] 4

[ ] 4

[ ] 4

[ ] 5

[ ] 5

[ ] 5

[ ] 5
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

4

2. Adequacy of Standards Governing Attorney Conduct

2a. Do you think the “statutory” standards (i.e., those in the Bankruptcy Code and national

Bankruptcy Rules) for resolving bankruptcy-related issues of attorney conduct are adequate?

❑1 No.

❑2

 Yes.

If NO, please describe why these standards are inadequate:

2b. Do you think the non-statutory standards (i.e., standards other than those in the Bankruptcy

Code and national Bankruptcy Rules) your district uses to resolve bankruptcy-related issues of

attorney conduct are adequate?

❑1 No.

❑2

 Yes.

If NO, please describe why these standards are inadequate and what other sources you would turn to

to resolve attorney conduct issues (e.g., state ethics codes, model rules or codes):

2c. Are there any inconsistencies that you have found problematic between the statutory and nonstatutory attorney conduct standards as defined in Questions 2a and 2b above?

❑1 No.

❑2

 Yes.

If YES, please describe the inconsistency(ies) and the problem(s) they present:

2d. Are there attorney conduct issues that arise only in bankruptcy courts and are not covered or

adequately covered by existing statutory or non-statutory attorney conduct standards used by your

court?

❑1 No.

❑2

 Yes.

If YES, please describe those issues:
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

5

3. Adequacy of Disclosure Standards Regarding Employment of Attorneys

3a. Have you experienced any problems with the adequacy of disclosure by attorneys seeking

employment in bankruptcy cases?

❑1 No—>Go to question 4.

❑2 Yes—>Go to question 3b.

3b. Were any of the problems caused by inadequate requirements for disclosure in Bankruptcy Rule

2014?

❑1 No—>Go to question 4.

❑2 Yes—>Go to question 3c.

3c. If you have any suggestions for amending Bankruptcy Rule 2014 to improve the adequacy of

disclosure, please give them here:

4. National Uniform Attorney Conduct Standards in Bankruptcy Courts

The Standing Committee has been considering whether uniform standards of attorney conduct should be

adopted for the district and bankruptcy courts. The following questions seek your input on this issue.

4a. Should attorney conduct in all bankruptcy courts be governed by uniform standards?

❑1 No

❑2

 Yes

❑3

 Can’t say

4b. Assuming uniform standards are adopted, should the standards applied in bankruptcy courts be the

same as those applied in district courts?

❑1 No

❑2

 Yes

❑3

 Can’t say

Please explain why you think the standards should be the same or different in the bankruptcy and

district courts:
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998

6

5. Suggested Uniform Standards. Please answer the following more specific questions about attorney conduct standards that —>

standards. For purposes of this inquiry, assume the national uniform standards would be identical or substantially similar to the—>

For each subject in Column 1, answer no or yes to the question in column 3 and then proceed according to the instructions given.

Column 1

Subject of Suggested

Uniform Standard

Column 2

ABA

Model

Rule

Column 3

Should bankruptcy courts have

a national uniform standard on

the subject in Column 1,

whether it be the ABA Model

Rule listed in Column 2 or

some other standard on the

subject?

Column 4

Should a national uniform standard

on the subject in Column 1 be the

same for bankruptcy and district

courts?

5a. Confidentiality of

Information

Rule 1.6 ❑1 No—> Go to question 5b.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

5b. General Rule on

Conflicts of Interest

Rule 1.7 ❑1 No—> Go to question 5c.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

5c. Conflict of Interest

Concerning Prohibited

Transactions

Rule 1.8 ❑1 No—> Go to question 5d.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

5d. Conflict of Interest

Concerning Former Client

Rule 1.9 ❑1 No—> Go to question 5e.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

5e. Rule on Imputed

Disqualification

Rule 1.10 ❑1 No—> Go to question 5f.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

5f. Rule on Candor Towards

the Tribunal

Rule 3.3 ❑1 No—> Go to question 5g.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

5g. Rule on Lawyer as

Witness

Rule 3.7 ❑1 No—> Go to question 5h.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

5h. Rule on Truthfulness In

Statements to Others

Rule 4.1 ❑1 No—> Go to question 5i.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.

5i. Rule on Communications

with Person Represented

by Counsel.

Rule 4.2 ❑1 No—> Go to 5j on page 8.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 4.

❑1 No—> Go to Column 5.

❑2 Yes—> Go to Column 5.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998

7

might be adopted on a national basis. Column 1 lists nine types of attorney conduct that could be governed by national uniform

ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct listed in column 2 (see the enclosed Appendix for the text of the ABA Model Rules).

Make sure to explain in Column 5 your response given in Column 4. Feel free to use page 8 if you need more space.

Column 5

•If you answered “No” in Column 4, explain how the bankruptcy standard on the subject in Column 1

should differ from any national uniform standard drafted for use in district courts.

•If you answered “Yes” in Column 4, state whether the national uniform standard should be based on the

ABA Model Rule in Column 2 or on a different standard. If different, explain how the national uniform

standard should differ from the ABA Model Rule.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

8

5 j . Other standards. Should a national uniform standard on any other attorney conduct issue be

drafted for use in all bankruptcy courts?

❑1 No

❑2

 Yes

If YES, please describe the standard:

General Comments

Please use the space below to add any comments you think would help the Standing Committee understand the

current issues and problems facing bankruptcy courts with regard to attorney conduct.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR COOPERATION!
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

9

Questionnaire for Chief Judges of United States Bankruptcy Courts

on Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Appendix

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Rule 1.5 FEES

(a) A lawyer’s fee shall be reasonable. The factors to be considered in determining the

reasonableness of a fee include the following:

(1) the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the

skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;

(2) the likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment

will preclude other employment by the lawyer;

(3) the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;

(4) the amount involved and the results obtained;

(5) the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances;

(6) the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client;

(7) the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services;

and

(8) whether the fee is fixed or contingent.

(b) When the lawyer has not regularly represented the client, the basis or rate of the fee shall be

communicated to the client, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable time after

commencing the representation.

(c) A fee may be contingent on the outcome of a matter for which the service is rendered, except

in a matter in which a contingent fee is prohibited by paragraph (d) or other law. A

contingent fee agreement shall be in writing and shall state the method by which the fee is to

be determined, including the percentage or percentages that shall accrue to the lawyer in the

event of settlement, trial or appeal, litigation and other expenses to be deducted from the

recovery, and whether such expenses are to be deducted before or after the contingent fee is

calculated. Upon conclusion of a contingent fee matter, the lawyer shall provide the client

with a written statement stating the outcome of the matter and, if there is a recovery, showing

the remittance to the client and the method of its determination.

(d) A lawyer shall not enter into an arrangement for, charge, or collect:

(1) any fee in a domestic relations matter, the payment or amount of which is contingent

upon the securing of a divorce or upon the amount of alimony or support, or property

settlement in lieu thereof; or

(2) a contingent fee for representing a defendant in a criminal case.

(e) A division of a fee between lawyers who are not in the same firm may be made only if:

(1) the division is in proportion to the services performed by each lawyer or, by written

agreement with the client, each lawyer assumes joint responsibility for the

representation;

(2) the client is advised of and does not object to the participation of all the lawyers

involved; and

(3) the total fee is reasonable.

Rule 1.6 CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION

(a) A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to representation of a client unless the client

consents after consultation, except for disclosures that are impliedly authorized in order to

carry out the representation, and except as stated in paragraph (b).

(b) A lawyer may reveal such information to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes

necessary:

(1) to prevent the client from committing a criminal act that the lawyer believes is likely to

result in imminent death or substantial bodily harm; or

(2) to establish a claim or defense on behalf of the lawyer in a controversy between the

lawyer and the client, to establish a defense to a criminal charge or civil claim
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

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against the lawyer based upon conduct in which the client was involved, or to respond to

allegations in any proceeding concerning the lawyer’s representation of the client.

Rule 1.7 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: GENERAL RULE

(a) A lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of that client will be directly adverse

to another client, unless:

(1) the lawyer reasonably believes the representation will not adversely affect the

relationship with the other client; and

(2) the client consents after consultation. When representation of multiple clients in a single

matter is undertaken, the consultation shall include explanation of the implications of the

common representation and the advantages and risks involved.

Rule 1.8 CONFLICT OF INTEREST; PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS

(a) A lawyer shall not enter into a business transaction with a client and knowingly acquire an

ownership, possessory, security or other pecuniary interest adverse to a client unless:

(1) the transaction and terms on which the lawyer acquires the interest are fair and

reasonable to the client and are fully disclosed and transmitted in writing to the client in

a manner which can be reasonably understood by the client;

(2) the client is given a reasonable opportunity to seek the advice of independent counsel in

the transaction; and

(3) the client consents in writing thereto.

(b) A lawyer shall not use information relating to representation of a client to the disadvantage

of the client unless the client consents after consultation, except as permitted or required by

Rule 1.6 or Rule 3.3.

(c) A lawyer shall not prepare an instrument giving the lawyer or a person related to the lawyer

as parent, child, sibling, or spouse any substantial gift from a client, including a testamentary

gift, except where the client is related to the donee.

(d) Prior to the conclusion of representation of a client, a lawyer shall not make or negotiate an

agreement giving the lawyer literary or media rights to a portrayal or account based in

substantial part of information relating to the representation.

(e) A lawyer shall not provide financial assistance to a client in connection with pending or

contemplated litigation, except that:

(1) a lawyer may advance court costs and expenses of litigation, the repayment of which

may be contingent on the outcome of the matter; and

(2) a lawyer representing an indigent client may pay court costs and expenses of litigation

on behalf of the client.

(f) A lawyer shall not accept compensation for representing a client from one other than the

client unless:

(1) the client consents after consultation;

(2) there is no interference with the lawyer’s independence of professional judgement or

with the client-lawyer relationship; and

(3) information relating to representation of a client is protected as required by Rule 1.6.

(g) A lawyer who represents two or more clients shall not participate in making an aggregate

settlement of the claims of or against the clients, or in a criminal case an aggregated

agreement as to guilty or nolo contendere pleas, unless each client consents after

consultation, including disclosure of the existence and nature of all the claims or pleas

involved and of the participation of each person in the settlement.

(h) A lawyer shall not make an agreement prospectively limiting the lawyer’s liability to a client

for malpractice unless permitted by law and the client is independently represented in

making the agreement, or settle a claim for such liability with an unrepresented client or

former client without first advising that person in writing that independent representation is

appropriate in connection therewith.

(i) A lawyer related to another lawyer as parent, child, sibling or spouse shall not represent a

client in a representation directly adverse to a person whom the lawyer knows is represented

by the other lawyer exempt upon consent by the client after consultation regarding the

relationship.
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(j) A lawyer shall not acquire a proprietary interest in the cause of action or subject matter of

litigation the lawyer is conducting for a client, except that the lawyer may:

(1) acquire a lien granted by law to secure the lawyer’s fee or expenses; and

(2) contract with a client for a reasonable contingent fee in a civil case.

Rule 1.9 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: FORMER CLIENT

(a) A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent

another person in the same or a substantially related matter in which that person’s interests

are materially adverse to the interests of the former client unless the former client consents

after consultation.

(b) A lawyer shall not knowingly represent a person in the same or a substantially related matter

in which a firm with which the lawyer formerly was associated had previously represented a

client

(1) whose interests are materially adverse to that person; and

(2) about whom the lawyer had acquired information protected by Rule 1.6 and 1.9(c) that

is material to the matter;

unless the former client consents after consultation.

(c) A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter or whose present or former firm

has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter:

(1) use information relating to the representation to the disadvantage of the former client

except as Rule 1.6 or Rule 3.3 would permit or require with respect to a client, or when

the information has become generally known; or

(2) reveal information relating to the representation except as Rule 1.6 or Rule 3.3 would

permit or require with respect to a client.

Rule 1.10 IMPUTED DISQUALIFICATION: GENERAL RULE

(a) While lawyers are associated in a firm, none of them shall knowingly represent a client when

any one of them practicing alone would be prohibited from doing so by Rules 1.7, 1.8(c),

1.9, or 2.2.

(b) When a lawyer has terminated an association with a firm, the firm is not prohibited from

thereafter representing a person with interests materially adverse to those of a client

represented by the firm, unless:

(1) the matter is the same or substantially related to that in which the formerly associated

lawyer represented the client; and

(2) any lawyer remaining in the firm has information protected by Rules 1.6 and 1.9(c) that

is material to the matter.

(c) A disqualification prescribed by this rule may be waived by the affected client under the

conditions stated in Rule 1.7.

Rule 1.11 SUCCESSIVE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT

(a) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer shall not represent a private client in

connection with a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially as a

public officer or employee, unless the appropriate government agency consents after

consultation. No lawyer in a firm with which that lawyer is associated may knowingly

undertake or continue representation in such a matter unless:

(1) the disqualified lawyer is screened from any participation in the matter and is

apportioned no part of the fee therefrom; and

(2) written notice is promptly given to the appropriate government agency to enable it to

ascertain compliance with the provisions of this rule.

(b) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer having information that the lawyer

knows is confidential government information about a person acquired when the lawyer was

a public officer or employee, may not represent a private client whose interests are adverse

to that person in a matter in which the information could be used to the material

disadvantage of that person. A firm with which that lawyer is associated may undertake or

continue representation in the matter only if the disqualified lawyer is screened from any

participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee therefrom.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

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(c) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer serving as a public officer or

employee shall not:

(1) participate in a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially while

in private practice or nongovernmental employment, unless under applicable law no one

is, or by lawful delegation may be, authorized to act in the lawyer’s stead in the matter;

or

(2) negotiate for private employment with any person who is involved as a party or as

lawyer for a party in a matter in which the lawyer is participating personally and

substantially, except that a lawyer serving as a law clerk to a judge, other adjudicative

officer or arbitrator may negotiate for private employment as permitted by Rule 1.12(b)

and subject to the conditions stated in Rule 1.12(b).

(d) As used in this Rule, the term “matter” includes:

(1) any judicial or other proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination,

contract, claim, controversy, investigation, charge, accusation, arrest or other particular

matter involving a specific party or parties, and

(2) any other matter covered by the conflict of interest rules of the appropriate government

agency.

(e) As used in this Rule, the term “confidential government information” means information

which has been obtained under governmental authority and which, at the time this rule is

applied, the government is prohibited by law from disclosing to the public or has a legal

privilege not to disclose, and which is not otherwise available to the public.

Rule 1.15 SAFEKEEPING PROPERTY

(a) A lawyer shall hold property of clients or third persons that is in a lawyer’s possession in

connection with a representation separate from the lawyer’ own property. Funds shall be

kept in a separate account maintained in the state where the lawyer’s office is situated, or

elsewhere with the consent of the client or third person. Other property shall be identified as

such and appropriately safeguarded. Complete records of such account funds and other

property shall be kept by the lawyer and shall be preserved for a period of [five years] after

termination of the representation.

(b) Upon receiving funds or other property in which a client or third person has an interest, a

lawyer shall promptly notify the client or third person. Except as stated in this rule or

otherwise permitted by law or by agreement with the client, a lawyer shall promptly deliver

to the client or third person any funds or other property that the client or third persons

entitled to receive and, upon request by the client or third person, shall promptly render a

full accounting regarding such property.

(c) When in the course of representation a lawyer is in possession of property in which both the

lawyer and another person claim interests, the property shall be kept separate by the lawyer

until there is an accounting and severance of their interests. If a dispute arises concerning

their respective interests, the portion in dispute shall be kept separate by the lawyer until the

dispute is resolved.

Rule 3.3 CANDOR TOWARD THE TRIBUNAL

(a) A lawyer shall not knowingly:

(1) make a false statement of material fact or law to a tribunal;

(2) fail to disclose a material fact to a tribunal when disclosure is necessary to avoid

assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by the client;

(3) fail to disclose to the tribunal legal authority in the controlling jurisdiction known to the

lawyer to be directly adverse to the position of the client and not disclosed by opposing

counsel; or

(4) offer evidence that the lawyer knows to be false. If a lawyer has offered material

evidence and comes to know of its falsity, the lawyer shall take reasonable remedial

measures.

(b) The duties stated in paragraph (a) continue to the conclusion of the proceeding, and apply

even if compliance requires disclosure of information otherwise protected by Rule 1.6.

(c) A lawyer may refuse to offer evidence that the lawyer reasonably believes is false.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

13

(d) In an ex parte proceeding, a lawyer shall inform the tribunal of all material facts known to

the lawyer which will enable the tribunal to make an informed decision, whether or not the

facts are adverse.

Rule 3.7 LAWYER AS WITNESS

(a) A lawyer shall not act as advocate at a trial in which the lawyer is likely to be a necessary

witness except where:

(1) the testimony relates to an uncontested issue;

(2) the testimony relates to the nature and value of legal services rendered in the case; or

(3) disqualification of the lawyer would work substantial hardship on the client.

(b) A lawyer may act as advocate in a trial in which another lawyer in the lawyer’s firm is likely

to be called as a witness unless precluded from doing so by Rule 1.7 or Rule 1.9.

Rule 4.1 TRUTHFULNESS IN STATEMENTS TO OTHERS

In the course of representing a client a lawyer shall not knowingly:

(a) make a false statement of material fact or law to a third person; or

(b) fail to disclose a material act to a third person when disclosure is necessary to avoid

assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by a client, unless disclosure is prohibited by Rule 1.6.

Rule 4.2 COMMUNICATION WITH PERSON REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL

In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation

with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer

has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized by law to do so.

UNITED STATES CODE

11 USC § 101

§ 101. Definitions.

In this title— . . . .

(14) “disinterested person” means person that—

(A) is not a creditor, an equity security holder, or an insider;

(B) is not and was not an investment banker for any outstanding security of the debtor;

(C) has not been, within three years before the date of the filing of the petition, an

investment banker for a security of the debtor, or an attorney for such an investment

banker in connection with the offer, sale, or issuance of a security of the debtor;

(D) is not and was not, within two years before the date of the filing of the petition, a

director, officer, or employee of the debtor or of an investment banker specified in

subparagraph (B) or (C) of this paragraph; and

(E) does not have an interest materially adverse to the interest of the estate or of any class of

creditors or equity security holders, by reason of any direct or indirect relationship to,

connection with or interest in, the debtor or an investment banker specified in

subparagraph (B) or (C) of this paragraph, or for any other reason;

11 USC § 327

§ 327. Employment of professional persons.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the trustee, with the court’s approval, may

employ one or more attorneys, accountants, appraisers, auctioneers, or other professional

persons, that do not hold or represent an interest adverse to the estate, and that are

disinterested persons, to represent or assist the trustee in carrying out the trustee’s duties

under this title.

(b) If the trustee is authorized to operate the business of the debtor under section 721, 1202, or

1108 of this title, and if the debtor has regularly employed attorneys, accountants, or other

professional persons on salary, the trustee may retain or replace such professional persons

if necessary in the operation of such business.

(c) In a case under chapter 7, 12, or 11 of this title, a person is not disqualified for employment

under this section solely because of such person’s employment by or representation of a

creditor, unless there is objection by another creditor or the United States trustee, in
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

14

which case the court shall disapprove such employment if there is an actual conflict of

interest.

(d) The court may authorize the trustee to act as attorney or accountant for the estate if such

authorization is in the best interest of the estate.

(e) The trustee, with the court’s approval, may employ, for a specified special purpose, other

than to represent the trustee in conducting the case, an attorney that has represented the

debtor, if in the best interest of the estate, and if such attorney does not represent or hold

any interest adverse to the debtor or to the estate with respect to the matter on which such

attorney is to be employed.

(f) The trustee may not employ a person that has served as an examiner in the case.

11 USC § 328

§ 328. Limitation on compensation of professional persons.

(c) Except as provided in section 327(c), 327(e), or 1107(b) of this title, the court may deny

allowance of compensation for services and reimbursement of expenses of a professional

person employed under section 327 or 1103 of this title if, at any time during such

professional person’s employment under section 327 or 1103 of this title, such professional

person is not a disinterested person, or represents or holds an interest adverse to the interest

of the estate with respect to the matter on which such professional person is employed.

11 USC § 329

§ 329. Debtor’s transactions with attorneys.

(a) Any attorney representing a debtor in a case under this title, or in connection with such a

case, whether or not such attorney applies for compensation under this title, shall file with

the court a statement of the compensation paid or agreed to be paid, If such payment or

agreement was made after one year before the date of the filing of the petition, for services

rendered or to be rendered in contemplation of or in connection with the case by such

attorney, and the source of such compensation.

11 USC § 1103

§ 1103. Powers and duties of committees.

(a) At a scheduled meeting of a committee appointed under section 1102 of this title, at which a

majority of the members of such committee are present, and with the court’s approval, such

committee may select and authorize the employment by such committee of one or more

attorneys, accountants, or other agents, to represent or perform services for such committee.

(b) An attorney or accountant employed to represent a committee appointed under section 1102

of this title may not, while employed by such committee, represent any other entity having

an adverse interest in connection with the case. Representation of one or more creditors of

the same class as represented by the committee shall not per se constitute the representation

of an adverse interest.

(c) A committee appointed under section 1102 of this title may—

(1) consult with the trustee or debtor in possession concerning the administration of the

case;

(2) investigate the acts, conduct, assets, liabilities, and financial condition of the debtor, the

operation of the debtor’s business and the desirability of the continuance of such

business, and any other matter relevant to the case or to the formulation of a plan;

(3) participate in the formulation of a plan, advise those represented by such committee of

such committee’s determinations as to any plan formulated, and collect and file with the

court acceptances or rejections of a plan;

(4) request the appointment of a trustee or examiner under section 1104 of this title; and

(5) perform such other services as are in the interest of those represented.

(d) As soon as practicable after the appointment of a committee under section 1102 of this title,

the trustee shall meet with such committee to transact such business as may be necessary

and proper.

FEDERAL RULES OF BANKRUPTCY PROCEDURE
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts

Federal Judicial Center December 1998 

15

RULE 2014. Employment of Professional Persons.

(a) Application for and Order of Employment. An order approving the employment of

attorneys, accountants, appraisers, auctioneers, agents, or other professionals pursuant to

327, § 1103, or § 1114 of the Code shall be made only on application of the trustee or

committee. The application shall be filed and, unless the case is a chapter 9 municipality

case, a copy of the application shall be transmitted by the applicant to the United States

trustee. The application shall state the specific facts showing the necessity for the

employment, the name of the person to be employed, the reasons for the selection, the

professional services to be rendered, any proposed arrangement for compensation, and, to

the best of the applicant’s knowledge, all of the person’s connections with the debtor,

creditors, any other party in interest, their respective attorneys and accountants, the United

States trustee or any person employed in the office of the United States trustee. The

application shall be accompanied by a verified statement of the person to be employed

setting forth the person’s connections with the debtor, creditors, or any other party in

interest, their respective attorneys and accountants, the United States trustee, or any person

employed in the office of the United States trustee.

(b) Services Rendered by Member or Associate of Firm of Attorneys or Accountants. If,

under the Code and this rule, a law partnership or corporation is employed as an attorney, or

an accounting partnership or corporation is employed as an accountant, or if a named

attorney or accountant is employed, any partner, member, or regular associate of the

partnership, corporation or individual may act as attorney or accountant so employed,

without further order of the court.

Rule 2016. Compensation for Services Rendered and Reimbursement of Expenses.

(a) Application for Compensation or Reimbursement. An entity seeking interim or final

compensation for services, or reimbursement of necessary expenses, from the estate shall

file with the court an application setting forth a detailed statement of (1) the services

rendered, time expended and expenses incurred, and (2) the amounts requested. An

application for compensation shall include a statement as to what payments have theretofore

been made or promised to the applicant for services rendered or to be rendered in any

capacity whatsoever in connection with the case, the source of the compensation so paid or

promised, whether any compensation previously received has been shared and whether an

agreement or understanding exists between the applicant and any other entity for the sharing

of compensation received or to be received for services rendered in or in connection with the

case, and the particulars of any sharing of compensation or agreement or understanding

therefor, except that details of any agreement by the applicant for the sharing of

compensation as a member or regular associate of a firm of lawyers or accountants shall not

be required. The requirements of this subdivision shall apply to an application for

compensation for services rendered by an attorney or accountant even though the

application is filed by a creditor or other entity. Unless the case is a chapter 9 municipality

case, the applicant shall transmit to the United States trustee a copy of the application.

(b) Disclosure of Compensation Paid or Promised to Attorney for Debtor. Every

attorney for a debtor, whether or not the attorney applies for compensation, shall file and

transmit to the United States trustee within 15 days after the order for relief, or at another

time as the court may direct, the statement required by § 329 of the Code including whether

the attorney has shared or agreed to share the compensation with any other entity. The

statement shall include the particulars of any such sharing or agreement to share by the

attorney, but the details of any agreement for the sharing of the compensation with a

member or regular associate of the attorney’s law firm shall not be required. A

supplemental statement shall be filed and transmitted to the United States trustee with 15

days after any payment or agreement not previously disclosed.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix C

1

Comments Indicating Statutory Standards

for Resolving Bankruptcy-Related Issues of

Attorney Conduct Were Not Adequate

• The statutory attorney conduct standards for conflicts of interest are not adequate

because:

(1) The statutory standards are not articulated in a specific or detailed enough manner

to provide the necessary guidance to attorneys, usually causing more problems

than they solve (especially the disinterestedness standard under § 327(a)). The

vagueness of § 327(a) requires the court to make difficult decisions concerning

whether conflicts are such as to disqualify a professional. (Summary of comments

from 7 bankruptcy judges.)

(2) The statutory standards are too strict (specifically the definition of disinterested

persons under 11 U.S.C. § 327(a)) and do not provide enough flexibility or allow

for judicial discretion in their application. (Summary of comments from 6

bankruptcy judges.)

(3) The statutory standards should be clarified as to related corporate debtors.

Representation of multiple, related entities ordinarily should be allowed if all

were operated as an integrated group with one decision-maker. There needs to be

a better definition of the conflict rule pertaining to the debtor and the principal of

a debtor entity represented by the same attorney. (Summary of comments from 3

bankruptcy judges.)

(4) The multi-party nature of bankruptcy, and the fact that bankruptcy cases often

involve a multitude of separate legal transactions unlike a single civil action or

criminal case, often makes it difficult to tell when a conflict or potential conflict is

likely because the potential for conflict or overreaching is constantly shifting and

is often obscure or obscured. Also, it is unrealistic to require disclosure of all

conflicts to the parties-in-interest because there can be so many of them.

(Summary of comments from 2 bankruptcy judges.)

(5) The disinterestedness concept in the Code does not work in reality because it is

incomplete. For example, the remoteness of conflicts that may exist across a large

firm are not addressed, nor are problems arising in closely held corporations.

Further, it is not clear what duty an attorney for a chapter 11 debtor-in-possession

has when he or she is acting in her own interest other than the interest of the

bankruptcy estate.

(6) The statutory standards should be clearer on issues of multiple representation: that

is, an attorney representing two related debtors; an attorney representing a debtor

corporation or a debtor subsidiary corporation; or debtor partner and debtor

partnership.

(7) The statutory standards should be clearer on issues arising from representation of

a pre-bankruptcy debtor and a debtor-in-possession.

• The statutory standards do not cover a broad enough range of attorney conduct issues,

forcing judges to turn to other standards to supplement them such as the ABA Model

Rules and state supreme court rules. The statutory standards mostly address conflict
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix C

2

issues affecting only attorneys paid by the estate (trustees’ and creditors’ committees’

attorneys and chapters 7 and 13 debtors’ attorneys), leaving many other issues such as

those listed in this questionnaire unaddressed. The statutory standards are not specific

enough in most situations because they do not address all aspects of attorney conduct

toward the court, clients, or other parties in interest. For example, the statutory

standards fail to set forth adequate criteria for the limitation of the scope of

representation of chapters 7 and 13 debtors. (Summary of comments from 16

bankruptcy judges).

• The statutory standards govern the attorneys’ conduct but provide little guidance for

dealing with that conduct—such as whether bankruptcy judges have authority to

suspend attorneys from practicing before a bankruptcy court. Sua sponte contempt

powers should be expanded because referral of attorney misconduct to the U.S.

trustee, U.S. Attorney, or state bar association often results in no action and no report

back to the court. Also, there is a wide divergence of enforcement among bankruptcy

districts, causing attorneys to expect lax enforcement in certain districts. The “honor

system” does not work. There needs to be a policing and enforcement mechanism

other than denial of fees once a conflict becomes known. Sanctions and contempt

should be clearly authorized. (Summary of comments from 7 bankruptcy judges.)

• The statutory disclosure standards are too lax and used perfunctorily by too many

major firms. They can be interpreted by the lawyer required to make the disclosure in

ways that lead to opposite conclusions about whether disqualification is required.

(Summary of comments reported by 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• The Code and Rules are not adequate because they do not cover compensating an

attorney who submits an employment application in good faith, immediately performs

services, and is then disqualified in a “close call.” Should the attorney be able to

recover for services that benefit the estate during this “gap” period?

• The Code and Rules are not adequate because they fail to recognize the “realities”

connected with attorney representation of consumer debtors. These clients simply

cannot pay a lawyer a fee adequate to allow for competent representation.

• Section 1927 of Title 28 should be amended to permit clear use by bankruptcy and

magistrate judges.

• The statutory standards should be applicable to all professionals in a case, including

those representing parties other than the trustee/debtor in possession.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix D

1

Comments Indicating Non-Statutory

Standards for Resolving Bankruptcy-Related Issues of

Attorney Conduct Were Not Adequate

• The non-statutory standards that are employed (e.g., state ethics codes and model

rules) are not adequate because they are not geared to issues unique to bankruptcy

such as the fiduciary duties bankruptcy imposes, the disclosures bankruptcy mandates

and issues of dual representation. (Summary of responses from 3 bankruptcy judges).

• Unlike the state courts, bankruptcy courts do not conduct investigations and must rely

on the state bar grievance committee to take action on bankruptcy complaints and

their decisions are far too lax. (Summary of responses from 3 bankruptcy judges).

• The non-statutory standards are not readily available to or known by practitioners

(since they are located in the local district court rules.) Education as to the existence

and content of the non-statutory rules is needed. (Summary of responses from 2

bankruptcy judges).

• The non-statutory standards are not applied uniformly and they lack clarity.

• The bankruptcy court in each district should have authority to conduct formal

disciplinary proceedings for attorney misconduct that occurs in the bankruptcy court,

instead of the current situation where the district court does so which delays the

process. In addition, the district court may have insufficient understanding of issues

of bankruptcy procedure to make correct judgements. Bankruptcy courts should be

permitted to disbar or suspend attorneys that practice in bankruptcy court.

• The state’s code of professional conduct is inadequate because it is applied in one-onone situations despite the fact that bankruptcy requires consideration of multiple

parties and relative interests that are not comprehensively addressed in the nonstatutory standards.

• The non-statutory standards dealing with conflicts are unclear when applied to prior

representation in an unrelated matter of creditors who are peripheral to the case. The

standards do not adequately define a “potential” conflict that is non-disqualifying, or

how and when disclosure should be given when the situation has “ripened” to an

actual conflict. And non-statutory conflicts standards do not identify what remedy is

appropriate when a major chapter 11 is at the plan confirmation stage and counsel for

the debtor-in-possession develops a conflict.

• The non-statutory standards are inadequate because they are too cumbersome to

prevent an attorney with multiple infractions from continuing to represent entities in

bankruptcy court. An individual judge should be able to issue an order preventing

ongoing violations and representation, subject to immediate review.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix D

2

• The non-statutory standards are inadequate because: (1) an attorney working for the

bankruptcy estate has fiduciary duties to the estate that an attorney outside of

bankruptcy does not have; (2) the California Code of Professional Responsibility and

the ABA ethics rules on potential conflict and actual conflict have never worked well

either in or outside of the bankruptcy context.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix E

1

Comments Reporting Problematic Inconsistencies

between Statutory and Non-Statutory

Attorney Conduct Standards

• The inconsistencies between the disinterestedness standard of 11 U.S.C. § 327(a) and

the provisions for multiple representations in the ABA Model Rule and Code are

frequently encountered and problematic because:

(1) § 327 broadly disqualifies without regard to the degree of disinterestedness (i.e.,

small unpaid fee) and does not permit knowing, intelligent waivers of conflicts as

do state rules (such as DR 5-105) under which it is possible to represent two

parties that have a potential or actual conflict as long as an appropriate client

waiver is obtained.

(2) The disinterestedness requirement works a hardship on small business debtors and

is often impractical.

(3) A professional person owed pre-petition debt automatically fails the

disinterestedness test under the statute but not under any application of attorney

conduct rules.

(4) Multiple-member law firms and accounting firms represent parties who are

adverse in some cases and justify this by describing the matters as not “related”

when in reality these firms are friendly with both sides.

(5) An attorney should not be disqualified from representing a debtor simply because

the attorney is owed fees for pre-petition representation.

(Summary of comments from 10 bankruptcy judges.)

• The inconsistencies between statutory and non-statutory attorney conduct standards

are problematic because attorneys look to state law which is loosely enforced. The

conflict of interest standards under the ABA and state rules of conduct are sometimes

not very useful when attempting to apply them within the bankruptcy context because

the conflicts arising in bankruptcy cases can be more numerous and complex.

(Summary of comments from 3 bankruptcy judges).

• The inconsistencies are problematic because trustee employment of the trustee and

the trustee’s law firm is statutorily permissible but presents conduct problems.

(Summary of comments from 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• The inconsistencies are problematic because the ABA model ethics principles do not

contemplate that the client (debtor) is a fiduciary toward parties with adverse interests

(creditors), and the statutory rules are ambiguous or often too vague. (Summary of

comments from 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• The inconsistencies are problematic because of the difficulties created by the blur

between situations presenting an “actual” conflict versus a non-disqualifying

“potential” conflict. Notwithstanding the Code, I find either an actual, or a perception

of, a conflict of interest when a trustee also practices in cases under the same chapter

for other clients.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix E

2

• The inconsistencies regarding confidentiality can present difficulties because the

trustee can waive the attorney client privilege for corporate debtors while it is less

clear whether the corporate debtor or an individual debtor can do so.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix F

1

Comments Reporting Bankruptcy-Specific

Attorney Conduct Issues Not Covered by Rules

• An issue that arises only in bankruptcy courts and is not adequately covered by

existing attorney conduct standards is conflict of interest issues:

(1) The conflict of interest standards under the ABA and state rules of conduct are

sometimes not very useful when attempting to apply them within the bankruptcy

context because the conflicts arising in bankruptcy cases can be more numerous

and complex (for example, potential conflicts due to the vast number of creditors

affected.).

(2) It is unrealistic to require disclosure of all connections to the parties in interest

because there can be so many of them.

(3) The Bankruptcy Code and Rules do not provide enough flexibility or allow for

judicial discretion in their application. Strict enforcement and application of the

Bankruptcy Code and Rules is often impracticable.

(4) The disinterestedness requirement of 11 U.S.C. § 327(a) needs to be defined more

precisely and not applied so strictly, especially in a smaller community.

(5) The conflict issue that results from an attorney representing a client prebankruptcy and then seeking to represent the debtor or debtor-in-possession is not

adequately addressed.

(6) Conflict issues relating to fee disclosures are not adequately covered by existing

standards.

(Summary of responses from 16 bankruptcy judges.)

• An issue that is not covered by our attorney conduct standards is the absence of

guidance on whether the bankruptcy judge has the power to discipline attorneys by,

for example, barring them from practicing before the bankruptcy court. I often feel

frustrated by the lack of mechanisms available to me to protect the debtor from his or

her attorney’s incompetence in bankruptcy court representation. I have had many

cases where clients were ill-advised to file or to reaffirm debts or where lawyers

ignored deadlines, or did not communicate with clients. Bankruptcy Rule 2090 should

specifically provide that bankruptcy judges have the authority to impose sanctions

against lawyers and parties. (Summary of responses from 5 bankruptcy judges.)

• A bankruptcy case triggers considerations of many competing and countervailing

interests unlike traditional two-party lawsuits. For example, creditors’ committees

may employ professionals who are confronted with special provisions under 11

U.S.C. § 1103(b) when multidisciplinary issues are involved.

• Other areas/issues unique to bankruptcy courts and not adequately covered by

existing standards include:

(1) conduct violating or allegedly violating disclosure requirements of 11 U.S.C. §

329(a) or Bankruptcy Rules 2014 or 2016.

(2) whether one counsel can represent affiliated corporations in chapter 11s.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix F

2

(3) the tension between an attorney’s need for advance payment in bankruptcy and

the prohibitions against an attorney receiving payment in advance for postpetition work.

(4) an attorney’s refusal to represent a debtor client where the client is sued by a

creditor to prevent dischargeability of particular debts.

(5) A Chapter 11 attorney for a debtor-in-possession has an inherent conflict between

representing the reorganization needs of the debtor and requiring the debtor-inpossession to be a fiduciary.

(6) Trustees who employ their own firms as counsel have a problem in determining

what is “trustee work” and included in their statutory fees and what they can be

separately compensated for.

(7) Attorneys who own paralegal mill operations.

(8) Attorneys who seeks to “limit” responsibilities to a consumer debtor client, i.e.,

preparing the schedules and statement of affairs but not appearing as attorney of

record.

(9) Conflict in representing a corporation and its principals, especially in closely-held

corporations. The distinction is problematic because the owner provides the

authority for the attorney who represents the debtor-in-possession.

(10) Bankruptcy attorneys who abuse the system by filing multiple bankruptcies for

debtors that are not warranted under the law or facts.

(11) Attorneys who do a poor job of advising debtors and seeing that schedules and

other documents are accurate.

• Many attorneys for debtors do not understand or recognize their fiduciary duties. The

Bankruptcy Rules should clarify that a trustee or debtor in possession is a fiduciary to

the estate but the lawyer for the estate is not the fiduciary. The lawyer is an officer of

the court and has ethical duties to the client, who is the fiduciary. Recognition of an

attorney’s duty of candor to the tribunal often places an attorney between a rock and a

hard place. Another fiduciary relationship not understood is the fiduciary relationship

of the attorney in Chapter 11 to the creditors. (Summary of responses from 11

bankruptcy judges.)

• Individual Chapter 7 debtors may be represented by counsel when they file a petition.

However, that counsel “frequently” has not been retained to file motions to lift the

stay, to make objections to claims or exemptions or for adversary proceedings

involving dischargeability. Unless at least mail communication is made directly to the

debtor by the moving party, the debtor may not learn of these matters timely. Thus,

communication needs to be tailored so they go to both attorneys and the debtor until

represented status is clarified.

• Allowing Chapters 7 and 13 trustees to represent debtors in bankruptcy court

encourages the “you-do-a-favor for me today and I’ll do the same for you tomorrow”

syndrome. “Trustee shopping” is common. More trustees are needed. Further, trustees

should be prohibited from retaining themselves (or their law firms) as counsel to

trustee. Double billing and duplicative services are encouraged by this risky practice.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix F

3

• Requests for withdrawal of counsel by counsel for debtors, particularly when

representing individuals unable to retain new counsel due to financial constraints.

With insolvent debtors, by definition and in fact, they do not have the resources to

pay for adversary proceedings in which they may have a meritorious defense.

(Summary of responses from 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• It is essential that multiple representations be permitted for cost reasons even where

there are potential conflicts.

• Some conflicts that cannot be waived in bankruptcy courts, but they may be waivable

in non-bankruptcy matters.

• Our district recognizes “limited appearances” for debtors’ attorneys in Chapter 7’s

and 13’s. This creates a problem because other attorneys in these cases do not readily

know when they can communicate directly with parties.

• There needs to be clarity on issues arising from representation of pre-bankruptcy

debtor and debtor-in-possession. Also, there needs to be clarity on issues arising from

representation by the same debtor’s counsel of related debtors (parent and

subsidiaries, etc.) and when that representation may become a conflict. (Summary of

responses from 5 bankruptcy judges.)

• Fee splitting is allowed in some states, but strictly prohibited in the bankruptcy

context. Practitioners must be educated and/or the standard be made uniform.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix G

1

Comments on Inadequate Disclosure

Requirements of Bankruptcy Rule 2014

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014 requires more detail in consumer cases to disclose fees paid in

prior cases where debtors are multiple filers. This is especially necessary in chapter

13 cases. The multiple filings are frequently driven by attorney’s fees. Also, Rule

2014 does not apply to Chapter 13 cases, but it should.

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014 should include a much clearer requirement to show prior

experience in representing debtors in small chapter 11 cases, and to show the level of

success in confirming plans or negotiating structured dismissals within the prior 3 to

5 years.

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014 should require an affidavit by the person who made (or should

have made) the conflicts check as to exactly what effort was made and require

disclosure of every representation within a prior period (perhaps 2 years before the

bankruptcy filing date), and the nature, beginning and end dates of every entity that is

or becomes a creditor or equity holder in the debtor-in-possession. The Rule should

require regular amendments as “new” conflicts arise. Model Rule 1.7(a)(1) should be

totally abrogated in bankruptcy in favor of full disclosure.

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014 should provide more specific examples of entities falling into

the category of “parties in interest” so as to allow less wiggle room.

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014’s provision “all of the person’s connections” is arguably

vague. I would suggest some specific examples that would not limit the scope of this

language but rather would demonstrate the expansive intent behind this limitation to

representation. It would help eliminate the many excuses we get in this area.

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014 could provide for more strict enforcement in chapter 11’s.

(Summary of responses of 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014 should require that the fee agreement be attached to the

application.

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014 should specifically require details of client representations by

all members of a firm, with a requirement of action of disqualification by the court if

not done or if details indicate a conflict of interest.

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014 should include a provision that the attorney disclose the source

of funds for a retainer and future payment.

• We have supplemented the disclosure requirements of Rule 2014 with a local

bankruptcy court rule.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix G

2

• Often the question of inadequate disclosure results from the applicant’s failure to

fully consider all the possible ramifications or subtleties associated with the

requirements of being “disinterested” and/or holding no “materially adverse interest.”

In this district, we have tried to minimize this problem through a local rule which

supplements the disclosure requirements of Rule 2014.

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014 or local rules should require more than just a conclusory

statement. There should be some requirement to describe the steps or procedures

undertaken to determine whether a conflict may exist.

• Bankruptcy Rule 2014 should require disclosure of all payments made by the debtor

to the attorney within one year prior to filing, as well as a description of any retainer

paid.

• We have addressed the inadequacies by specific disclosure required by my standards,

my court’s local rules and U.S. trustee guidelines.

• Three bankruptcy judges indicated that the problems they’ve experienced with Rule

2014 stem from attorneys’ failure to follow the provisions of the Rule.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

Appendix H

1

Comments in Support of (and Opposed to)

the Same Uniform Standards for

Bankruptcy and District Courts

The standards should be the same for bankruptcy courts as those applied to district

courts:

• Because uniformity of all federal courts with respect to conduct is desirable to

ensure efficient operation of both courts. Bankruptcy courts, by statute, are units

of the district court, and jurisdiction for bankruptcy courts is referred from district

courts. See 28 U.S.C. § 1334. Bankruptcy court judges constitute units of the

district court. See 28 U.S.C. § 151. Since the district court is where the attorney is

authorized to practice (i.e., counsel are members of the bar of the district court,

not the bankruptcy court), attorneys should not have to worry about or learn two

sets of standards. Attorneys who practice mostly in the district court should not be

trapped when making an appearance in the bankruptcy court, nor should a nonspecialist be deterred from representing clients in bankruptcy cases by the

creation of specialized rules for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy court has no separate

admission and should not have. Public expectations of conduct should not depend

on the specialty of the practitioner. We should hold attorneys to the highest

standards of competence and ethical conduct no matter what court they are in. The

federal courts should have a simple set of unified standards for all units, making it

easily and readily determinable what expectations are, regardless of what federal

court or where a practitioner is. The more layers of rules which attorneys must

follow, the greater the noncompliance due to confusion and oversight. While there

are some things peculiar to bankruptcy such as Rule 2014, creditor committee

employment, limits on options to waive problems, to name a few, such

differences can be handled by footnote references in the uniform rules. (Summary

of comments reported by 50 bankruptcy judges.)

• Provided that the district court standards are as stringent as the bankruptcy court

standards. I would not like to see relaxation of standards, especially in the

conflicts or disclosure areas. In addition, the “related entity” disputes, which are

more common in bankruptcy, must be recognized. My perception is the district

courts do not enforce or police this conflicts area as strictly as bankruptcy courts

do. (Summary of comments reported by 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• But some bankruptcy specific supplementation would likely be

necessary/desirable such as acknowledgement of bankruptcy court standards,

including disclosures (under Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016), the role of

attorneys for debtors, and disinterestedness. (Summary of comments reported by 7

bankruptcy judges.)

• Although the standards of disclosure may be different in a bankruptcy context,

there is no reason for the standards of conduct to be different.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

Appendix H

2

• Because state standards presently apply in both bankruptcy and district courts and

are adequate.

• Although uniform standards should be the same, how they are applied should

differ because this is where bankruptcy practitioners could use some guidance.

The standards should not be the same for bankruptcy courts as those applied to

district courts:

• Because the usual two-party civil actions do not involve as many “parties” (as the

thousands of creditors that may be involved in a bankruptcy action), disclosure

obligations, and fiduciary obligations. The multitude of interests in bankruptcy

produce different issues, especially conflict of interest issues dealing with

disinterestedness, which are more numerous and complex in bankruptcy cases. For

example, issues dealing with past representation of a creditor or other party interest

and whether that is a conflict of interest or appearance of impropriety are unique to

bankruptcy courts. The multitude of separate legal “transactions” that may be

involved in a bankruptcy case cause the potential for conflict, overreaching, etc., to be

constantly shifting and often obscure or obscured. Because parties in interest enter

and exit bankruptcy proceedings during a case, the bankruptcy standards should

recognize related hardships that may arise. Waiver is not a practical solution when all

creditors are potentially affected. It is essential that multiple representations be

permitted for cost reasons even where there are potential conflicts. Moreover, district

judges are usually not aware of what is required of lawyers in no-asset chapter 7,

chapter 13, or small business chapter 11 cases. (Summary of comments reported by

38 bankruptcy judges.)

• Because the fiduciary obligations owed by trustee and debtor-in-possession counsel to

all parties in consumer cases are unique to bankruptcy and a uniform district court

standard may confuse the bankruptcy standard. Model Rule 1.8 is problematic in

bankruptcy where lawyers take security interests, mortgage judgements, etc. to secure

payment of fees. Attorney fee issues must be analyzed in terms of all interested

parties (creditors/debtor/trustee) rather than just plaintiff and defendant as in the

district court. (Summary of comments reported by 12 bankruptcy judges.)

• Because the sheer volume of cases in the bankruptcy courts suggests that some

conduct standards should be relaxed; whereas the fiduciary responsibilities may

require more stringent standards with a broader scope. Higher conflicts standards in

bankruptcy help ensure disclosure of debtor’s situation which is critical to the course

of the case and fairness to all parties. On the other hand, the number of parties

involved in an insolvency case are enormous while in district court the number of

parties are limited; to prevent an attorney from representing a party in the bankruptcy

court because of what might be a conflict in the district court would be disruptive and

serve no purpose. (Summary of comments reported by 8 bankruptcy judges.)
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

Appendix H

3

• Because the Bankruptcy Code, Rules and case law are more stringent ethically than

general federal statutes or case law due to the abuses in the bankruptcy system when

the Chandler Act (former bankruptcy act) was in effect. The district courts generally

follow the ethical rules of the state supreme courts in the district in which the court is

located. Given this historical perspective, it is unlikely that the standards will be

uniform between the bankruptcy and district courts.

• Because the bankruptcy code and rules themselves, such as Bankruptcy Rule 2014 or

2016, make adoption of uniform rules impractical. (Summary of responses reported

by 3 bankruptcy judges.)

• Because in bankruptcy the attorney represents the debtor and, if the debtor is a

corporation, the principal needs separate counsel because sometimes the interest of

the debtor and the principal will not be identical. It may be difficult to determine

which communications are confidential in discussions between the principal and

debtor.

• In bankruptcy courts there should be separate admission to practice, a separate

measure of competence, and a sanction procedure.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix I

1

Comments Explaining How a National Uniform Standard

for Bankruptcy Courts on Selected Attorney

Conduct Issues Should Differ From That Applied to District Courts

1. Confidentiality of Information. The uniform rule on confidentiality of information

for bankruptcy courts should:

• permit broader disclosure (i.e., determine that fewer disclosures are confidential)

in order to deal with the issue of a debtor-in-possession as fiduciary and the

resulting fiduciary obligations imposed on the attorney in bankruptcy cases; as

well as required disclosures in employment applications or in fee applications. For

example, a bankruptcy attorney must disclose connections with other parties and

the nature of the work performed. (Summary of comments reported by 9

bankruptcy judges.)

• include a provision allowing a creditors’ committee to, at times, share information

it has obtained. There are too many “parties” in bankruptcy cases to permit the

same rules on confidentiality as in civil cases in the district courts.

• contain a much clearer requirement to show prior experiences in representing

debtors in small chapter 11 cases and the level of success in confirming plans or

negotiating structured dismissals within the prior three to five years.

• account for the fact that bankruptcy cases deal with evolving factual matters as

opposed to district courts that deal with past factual matters and thus adverse

interests may arise post-petition in bankruptcy cases.

• be expanded to permit disclosure necessary to prevent perjury/false statements in

court documents, including bankruptcy schedules and statements.

• permit a debtor’s attorney to report to the bankruptcy court when he has reason to

believe his client is using the protection or umbrella of the bankruptcy court to

further an illegal or improper course of conduct. Thus, disclosure of confidential

information should be permitted not only to prevent death or serious bodily harm,

but also to disclose crime or fraud threatening substantial financial loss.

• more narrowly draw the ability to reveal confidential information in the context of

a lawyer/client dispute.

• allow for release of information to the trustee when a case is converted to chapter

7.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix I

2

2. General Rule on Conflicts of Interest. The uniform rule on general conflicts of

interest for bankruptcy courts should:

• be different because of the large number of interested parties with shifting

interests involved in some bankruptcy cases and the increased likelihood of a

conflict arising (client’s consent feature may not work well) and because of the

fiduciary obligations owed by certain counsel in bankruptcy cases (debtor’s

counsel) to all parties (e.g., to maximize value for creditors). (Summary of

comments reported by 14 bankruptcy judges.)

• provide bankruptcy judges with discretion in resolving conflict issues because of

the difference in the size and complexity of bankruptcy cases.

• require attorneys appointed by the court to disclose all potential conflicts of

interest, and possibly require attorneys to seek court approval when representing

the debtor or estate (even if the client consents to the conflict). (Summary of

comments reported by 4 bankruptcy judges.)

• provide a higher standard in bankruptcy cases because bankruptcy is an in rem

procedure with no client to give consent in many cases. (Summary of comments

reported by 2 bankruptcy judges).

• be more restrictive than the national uniform standard in district courts because

bankruptcy conflicts must receive different scrutiny than general litigation or

representation. (Summary of comments reported by 3 bankruptcy judges.)

• not disqualify professionals with pre-petition debts.

• permit multiple representation with the court’s approval. (Summary of comments

reported by 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• be different from the rule for district courts because the concept of

disinterestedness does not coincide with the model rules for general conflicts of

interest. For example, an attorney owed money by the client can’t represent the

client as a debtor even if the client consents. Under the Bankruptcy Code an

attorney’s “reasonable belief” as to disinterestedness is not enough. (Summary of

comments reported by 5 bankruptcy judges.)

• be broadened in bankruptcy to require disqualification whenever a lawyer holds

or obtains a judgment, lien, etc., against the represented debtor-in-possession,

trustee or any member of a committee. Model Rule 1.7(a)(1) should be abrogated

in bankruptcy.

• include Title 11’s additional requirements of disinterestedness and rule

requirements of complete disclosure.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix I

3

• be based on 11 U.S.C. § 327 and provide for circumstances articulated in 11

U.S.C. §327(d) because § 327 is much stricter than the ABA rules.

• prohibit waivers in bankruptcy court.

• require consent in writing, disclosures in writing, and consultation with a third

party is urged.

• take into consideration representation at initial stages of bankruptcy (i.e., § 341

meetings) and should have flexibility concerning potential conflicts.

3. Conflict of Interest Concerning Prohibited Transactions. The uniform rule on

conflicts of interest concerning prohibited transactions for bankruptcy courts should:

• take into account that certain counsel in bankruptcy (attorneys for debtors-inpossession), creditors and other official committees, and trustees owe fiduciary

obligations to all parties and require heightened scrutiny generally not applicable

in district court. In bankruptcy, defendant conflicts of interest arise in more ways

than the model rule suggests (parties being impacted in the bankruptcy context is

far greater than the traditional two party dispute concept in the district court).

Bankruptcy matters have many parties, some of whom have conflicting interests

and some of whom have coincident interests. (Summary of comments reported by

7 bankruptcy judges.)

• be more restrictive than the national uniform standard for conflicts of interest

concerning prohibited transactions in district courts; the definition of what may be

prohibited must be broader in bankruptcy cases. For example, ABA Model Rule

1.8(f) allows third party (non-client) compensation upon a client’s informed

consent. In bankruptcy, there is an additional requirement of disclosure.

(Summary of comments reported by 6 bankruptcy judges.)

• prohibit a debtor’s attorney from having any business relationship with his client,

including an absolute prohibition against buying property of estates. (Summary of

comments reported by 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• address issues problematic in bankruptcy such as where lawyers take security

interests, mortgage judgments, etc., to secure the payment of fees.

• be based on 11 U.S.C. § 327 which is much stricter than the ABA rules. The ABA

standard as adapted by the particular state or the state’s ethics rules should be

used to support the analysis.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix I

4

4. Conflict of Interest Concerning Former Client. The uniform rule on conflicts of

interest concerning a former client for bankruptcy courts should:

• provide bankruptcy judges with discretion to resolve conflict issues because of the

difference in size and complexity of bankruptcy cases.

• be made consistent with § 327(c) and (e) of the Bankruptcy Code, permitting an

attorney to represent the debtor even though the attorney formerly represented a

creditor of the debtor.

• require an attorney to satisfy the bankruptcy court that the attorney is disinterested

for bankruptcy code purposes.

• require more disclosure in the area of potential conflicts of interest and ongoing

disclosure to deal with firm mergers, if the attorney represents the debtor or

estate, etc., where conflicts develop during a case. (Summary of comments

reported by 4 bankruptcy judges.)

• address the fact that many more parties are impacted in the bankruptcy context.

Informed consent by the client alone is insufficient in the bankruptcy context.

(Summary of comments reported by 3 bankruptcy judges.)

• include Title 11’s additional requirements of disinterestedness and rule

requirements of complete disclosure. Client consent (ABA Model Rule 1.9(a)(b))

is not alone sufficient as to estate professionals in bankruptcy.

• be based on 11 U.S.C. §327 which is much stricter than the ABA Rules. The

ABA standard as adopted by the particular state or its ethics rules should be used

to support the analysis.

• address the bankruptcy specific situation that sometimes occurs in large creditor

cases where the petitioning creditors attorney involuntarily becomes the trustee’s

attorney, and the creditor’s attorney becomes special counsel to the trustee.

• set out specific guidelines for debtor representation (i.e., principal v. debtor and

conversion).

5. Rule on Imputed Disqualification. The uniform rule on imputed disqualification for

bankruptcy courts should:

• provide bankruptcy judges with discretion in resolving conflict issues because of

the difference in size and complexity of bankruptcy cases.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix I

5

• address the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code (§327(c) and (e)) that permit an

attorney to represent the debtor even though the attorney formerly represented a

creditor of the debtor.

• address the fact that attorneys in bankruptcy have fiduciary obligations to many

parties, and that there are many mini-transactions particularly dealing with

secured lenders. (Summary of comments reported by 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• adequately address lateral moves between firms and the transactional

representation of business clients. Larger firms or boutique firms rarely represent

business clients on a broad range of matters. A corporation may use 10 or more

firms in the same state for intellectual property, environmental, securities,

commercial litigation, ERISA, corporate finance, patent prosecution, and

bankruptcy matters. This “reality” is not tracked by the conflicts rules, which

presuppose a general business representation of a business entity by a single firm.

• require a firm to satisfy the bankruptcy court that it is disinterested for bankruptcy

code purposes. (Summary of comments reported by 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• require on-going disclosure to deal with firm mergers, etc., where conflicts

develop during a case.

• recognize and impose appropriate safeguard provisions against bankruptcy courts

allowance of a “Chinese wall” for firms that may do some work for one of the

debtor’s creditors as well as the debtor. (Summary of comments reported by 2

bankruptcy judges.)

• not automatically disqualify an attorney from representing a client just because a

lawyer is owed fees.

• address the problems bankruptcy courts have with ABA Rule 1.10(c) regarding

waiver of conflict.

• be based on 11 U.S.C. § 327 which is much stricter than the ABA Rules. The

ABA standard as adopted by the particular state or its ethics rules should be used

to support the analysis.

• provide for more disclosure and stricter disclosure rules.

• recognize that bankruptcy courts have to take into account the interests of all

parties rather than just the client. Informed consent by the client alone is

insufficient. Waiver of conflict by the affected client does not resolve all possible

concerns by the parties in interest.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix I

6

6. Rule on Candor Towards the Tribunal. The uniform rule on candor towards the

tribunal for bankruptcy courts should:

• require candor toward a tribunal and affirmative disclosure of any fraud being

perpetrated on the tribunal even over a client confidence (and not merely

withdraw from the case).

• not be based on ABA Rule 3.3(a)(3) because it puts lawyers in conflict with their

duty to their own client.

• address a lawyer’s further responsibilities when representing debtors.

• define whether debtors’ counsel has a duty to disclose information to creditors if

that information is necessary to address preferential transfer, hidden agendas, etc.

7. Rule on Lawyer As Witness. The uniform rule on the lawyer as a witness for

bankruptcy courts should:

• provide for the situation in bankruptcy courts where matters in the main

bankruptcy case require an attorney to testify as a witness which differs from the

situation where an attorney would be a witness in litigation in the district court.

(Summary of comments reported by 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• provide a clear rule prohibiting attorney submission when bankruptcy courts use

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 43 and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56

declarations to decide matters.

• provide leeway for the trustee/attorney/witness. (Summary of comments reported

by 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• address the situation not addressed by ABA Model Rule 3.7 where the attorney

for a debtor may become a post-petition transaction witness. If the attorney is a

sole practitioner or in a small firm, it is not practical to withdraw especially in

small consumer cases.

8. Rule on Truthfulness in Statements to Others. The uniform rule on truthfulness in

statements to others for bankruptcy courts should:

• address parameters of settlement offers in the bankruptcy context.

• address the inadequacies of ABA Model Rule 4.1(b) in determining what conduct

is “fraudulent” in bankruptcy cases. Confidentiality should be waived if a 4.1(b)

circumstance arises in bankruptcy.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts —Final Report

Appendix I

7

• be broadened because ABA Model Rule 1.6 is not broad enough in bankruptcy

cases.

9. Rule on Communications with Person Represented by Counsel. The uniform rule

on communications with a person represented by counsel for bankruptcy courts

should:

• allow for situations where an attorney who is a trustee and who also acts as

counsel for the trustee may (when acting a the trustee) communicate with a debtor

who is represented by counsel.

• be flexible enough in consumer cases to allow communication where the debtor’s

attorney signs on for a limited fee and a limited purpose (Summary of comments

reported by 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• include provisions of Bankruptcy Rule 7004 requiring service of pleadings on the

consumer debtor as well as debtor’s counsel to assure consumer debtor is apprised

of matters in the case.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

Appendix J

1

Comments on Whether the National Uniform Standard for Bankruptcy and District

Courts Should Be Based on the Corresponding ABA Model Rule for the Specified

Type of Conduct or on a Different Standard

1. Confidentiality of Information. The national uniform standard on confidentiality of

information applied to both bankruptcy and district courts should be based on:

• the corresponding ABA Model Rule for that type of conduct. (Summary of

comments reported by 79 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the corresponding ABA Model Rule except there should be

some flexibility to include state rules of conduct where they are stricter, so local

attorneys are not held to higher conduct standards than out-of-state attorneys.

2. General Rule on Conflicts of Interest. The national uniform standard on the general

rule on conflicts of interest applied to both bankruptcy and district courts should be

based on:

• the corresponding ABA Model Rule for that type of conduct. (Summary of

comments reported by 54 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule except it should be modified for

relaxed disinterestedness under § 327 so that lawyers who are owed fees by their

clients may represent them in bankruptcy proceedings.

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule except it should be modified for

bankruptcy where necessary, such as where a trustee is plaintiff in a multi-party

proceeding. (Summary of responses reported by 2 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule combined with a requirement of full

disclosure (disinterestedness standard should be abandoned in favor of the ABA

Model Rule) which gives judges a flexible tool to deal with conflict of interest

issues.

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule, supplemented with specific language

on the limits of representing both a corporation and its principal.

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule supplemented with a prohibition

against trustees hiring themselves as attorneys and practicing law under the same

chapter.

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule as long as the disinterestedness person

provisions of the case still apply.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

Appendix J

2

3. Conflict of Interest Concerning Prohibited Transactions. The national uniform

standard on conflicts of interest concerning prohibited transactions applied to both

bankruptcy and district courts should be based on:

• the corresponding ABA Model Rule for that type of conduct. (Summary of

comments reported by 77 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule but modified for relaxed

disinterestedness under § 327 so that lawyers who are owed fees by their clients

may represent them in bankruptcy proceedings.

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule but modified for bankruptcy cases

where a trustee is a plaintiff in a multi-party proceeding.

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule supplemented with the Federal Rules

of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule but modified for issues unique to

bankruptcy.

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rule supplemented by disinterestedness

person provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.

4. Conflict of Interest Concerning Former Client. The national uniform standard on

conflicts of interest concerning a former client applied to both bankruptcy and district

courts should be based on:

• the corresponding ABA Model Rule for that type of conduct. (Summary of

comments reported by 68 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the ABA standard modified to include a provision to deal

with the problem of large firms and national firms that represent large creditors

and debtors.

• a different standard—the ABA standard modified for conflict issues problematic

to bankruptcy courts, such as where a trustee is a plaintiff in a multi-party

proceeding.

• a different standard—the ABA standard supplemented with the Federal Rules of

Bankruptcy Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

• a different standard—the ABA standard supplemented by the disinterestedness

provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

Appendix J

3

• a different standard—the ABA standard except that there should be a standard of

materiality and not just a per se rule.

5. Rule on Imputed Disqualification. The national uniform standard on imputed

disqualification applied to both bankruptcy and district courts should:

• be based on the corresponding ABA Model Rule for that type of conduct.

(Summary of comments reported by 68 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the ABA Model Rules modified for conflict issues

problematic to bankruptcy courts, to reflect the reality of bankruptcy practice,

such as where a trustee is a plaintiff in a multi-party proceeding. (Summary of

comments reported by 5 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the ABA standard supplemented with the Federal Rules of

Bankruptcy Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

• a different standard—the ABA standard except that there should be a standard of

materiality and not just a per se rule.

6. Rule on Candor Towards the Tribunal. The national uniform standard on candor

towards the tribunal applied to both bankruptcy and district courts should be based

on:

• the corresponding ABA Model Rule for that type of conduct. (Summary of

comments reported by 84 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the ABA standard but applied with flexibility so as to

include state rules of conduct where they are stricter, so local attorneys are not

held to higher conduct standards than out-of-state attorneys.

• a different standard—the ABA standard except that ABA Model Rule 3.3(d) may

not apply in a criminal proceeding.

• a different standard—the ABA standard supplemented with the Federal Rules of

Bankruptcy Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

• a different standard—the ABA standard modified for candor issues problematic to

bankruptcy courts.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

Appendix J

4

7. Rule on Lawyer as Witness. The national uniform standard on lawyer as a witness

applied to both bankruptcy and district courts should be based on:

• the corresponding ABA Model Rule for that type of conduct. (Summary of

comments reported by 79 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the ABA standard but applied with flexibility so as to

include state rules of conduct where they are stricter, so local attorneys are not

held to higher conduct standards than out-of-state attorneys.

• a different standard—the ABA standard except as to applications for attorneys’

fees.

• a different standard—the ABA standard supplemented with the Federal Rules of

Bankruptcy Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

• a different standard—the ABA standard modified for lawyer as witness issues

problematic to bankruptcy courts.

8. Rule on Truthfulness in Statements to Others. The national uniform standard on

truthfulness in statements to others applied to both bankruptcy and district courts

should be based on:

• the corresponding ABA Model Rule for that type of conduct. (Summary of

comments reported by 85 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the ABA standard but applied with flexibility so as to

include state rules of conduct where they are stricter, so local attorneys are not

held to higher conduct standards than out-of-state attorneys.

• a different standard—the ABA standard supplemented with the Federal Rules of

Bankruptcy Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

• a different standard—the ABA standard modified for truthfulness in statements to

others issues problematic to bankruptcy courts.

9. Rule on Communication with a Person Represented by Counsel. The national

uniform standard on communications with persons represented by counsel applied to

both bankruptcy and district courts should be based on:

• the corresponding ABA Model Rule for that type of conduct. (Summary of

comments reported by 81 bankruptcy judges.)

• a different standard—the ABA standard with clarification of “who” is represented

by counsel.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

Appendix J

5

• a different standard—the ABA standard but modified for issues concerning

communications with persons represented by counsel issues problematic to

bankruptcy courts such as the inclusion of communications with creditors of the

same class.

• a different standard—the ABA standard supplemented with the Federal Rules of

Bankruptcy Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

• a different standard—the ABA standard but applied with flexibility so as to

include state rules of conduct where they are stricter, so local attorneys are not

held to higher conduct standards than out-of-state attorneys.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Court—Final Report

Appendix K

Comments from Judges Who Indicated That

National Uniform Standards on Other Attorney Conduct Issues

Should Be Drafted for Use in All Bankruptcy Courts

• A national civility rule that directs lawyers to refrain from making disparaging

comments based on race, gender or sexual orientation about opposing counsel or

clients.

• A lawyer must not undertake representation where she lacks the necessary skill,

energy and devotion to the task, including familiarity with local rules of practice for

the applicable bankruptcy court, the Bankruptcy Code and Rules. (Summary of

comments reported by 3 bankruptcy judges.)

• There should be a national uniform rule mandating civility to the court, witnesses and

other attorneys. (Summary of comments reported by 3 bankruptcy judges.)

• While not specifically attorney conduct, some national rule should be drafted to

define the duties that are included in the “representation” of a debtor in a chapter 7

bankruptcy case. Too often chapter 7 debtors are literally abandoned by their

attorneys where they become defendants in adversary proceedings commenced

pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523 and 727.

• There should be a national uniform rule based on the ABA standards as molded to the

Bankruptcy Code and Rules (especially with amplification to reflect a debtor-inpossession’s duties to creditors). (Summary of comments reported by 2 bankruptcy

judges.)

• A national uniform rule should provide bankruptcy courts with explicit authority to

suspend, disbar or discipline attorneys who fail to comply with court orders or

become disabled or otherwise unable to practice, until more formal state or federal

disciplinary procedures can take place. The district court process is too slow to be

effective. (Summary of comments reported by 3 bankruptcy judges.)

• There should be a national uniform rule addressing the fiduciary relationship of

attorneys to creditors in chapter 11 cases.

• There should be a national uniform rule establishing the standard for what attorneys

must minimally do before filing a bankruptcy case.

• A national uniform rule should provide a better definition of “disinterested”.

• A national uniform rule should make Bankruptcy Rule 9011 more specific as to the

extent a lawyer is expected to go to review schedules and statements filed by or on

behalf of the debtor.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Court—Final Report

Appendix K

• A national uniform rule should require an affidavit by the person who made (or

should have made) the conflicts check as to exactly what effort was made and require

disclosure of every representation within a prior period (perhaps 2 years before the

bankruptcy filing date), and the nature (including beginning and end dates) of every

entity that is or becomes a creditor or equity holder in the debtor-in-possession. The

rules should require regular amendments as “new” conflicts arise. Model Rule

1.7(a)(1) should be totally abrogated in bankruptcy in favor of full disclosure.

• A national uniform rule should specify that Bankruptcy Rule 2016(a) and (b) applies

to all persons, including bankruptcy petition preparers, and add that violations when

discovered must be brought to the court by the U.S. trustee for the court to impose

appropriate sanctions.

• There should be a national uniform rule only as to conflicts of interest.

• There should be a uniform national rule controlling subornation of perjury by treating

preparation of bankruptcy schedules to be unprotected by the attorney/client

privilege.

• There should be a uniform rule prohibiting trustees from hiring themselves as

attorneys and disallowing trustees from practicing law under the same chapter.

• There should be a uniform rule requiring passage of a test for admission to the

bankruptcy court and a required number of annual CLE hours.

• Any national uniform standard will have to take into account the “trust law” overlay

that uniquely exists in the bankruptcy context.

• There should be a national uniform rule establishing standards for trustee

representation by his or her own law firm.
Standards Governing Attorney Conduct in the Bankruptcy Courts—Final Report

Appendix L

1

General Comments

I. In Favor of National Uniform Standards

• While attorney misconduct is infrequent, proposed national uniform rules are

desirable to familiarize attorneys with disciplinary rules effective in all bankruptcy

courts. In addition, proposed national uniform standards are advisable because of the

ease with which attorneys from one section of the country practice in bankruptcy

courts in other sections.

• I believe the standards for bankruptcy practice, district court practice, and state court

practice should be the same, meaning no separate standards for bankruptcy courts

other than those in the bankruptcy code and rules (e.g., Section 327 and Rule

2014(a)). As to section 327(a) (need for court appointment) and Rule 2014, I believe

these requirements serve a useful purpose and should be retained, but separate rules

for handling of retainer money and the issues in question 9 (suggested uniform

standards) would not be a good idea.

• It is my opinion that an emerging trend and ultimate goal should be to attempt to

model and coordinate, to the extent possible, bankruptcy practice with that of the

United States district courts and state courts. Many excellent attorneys are reluctant to

practice before the bankruptcy courts based on actual or perceived peculiarities of

bankruptcy practice. In reality, bankruptcy, it has been said, is not a specialty, but is

generic.

• It would be a grave mistake to impose standards in bankruptcy that would differ from

those adopted by the district courts. We should continue to recognize the bankruptcy

court as a unit within the district court and attorneys appearing before either should

adhere to the same standards. I see no problems or need for any change.

II. Opposed to National Uniform Standards

• I sincerely question the necessity of “nationalization.” Sure, attorneys who practice

only (or principally) in bankruptcy courts would like a national, unvarying standard.

However, most of the attorneys I see are also very active in state court. Why should

they face varying standards? Incorporation of state rules of conduct, with some

variation for bankruptcy works just fine.

• Assuming the purpose of national rules is to aid out-of-state counsel who appear in a

local court, I am generally opposed to national uniform standards. They appear to be a

solution without a perceived problem. (1) Judges generally do not sanction attorneys

for unethical conduct without prior notice of what the standards are the judge expects

to be upheld. (2) The standards are commonly written, whether in statutory or nonstatutory form. (3) Attorneys are expected to be familiar with the rules of the court in
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which they appear. (4) In addition, many courts require affiliation with local counsel

to assure practice by out-of-state counsel complies with any local requirements. (5)

Many states’ codes of conduct are similar and the state courts and committees have

publicized case law and advisory opinions interpreting those codes. (6) Many judges

refer to the national ABA Model Rules for guidance. Attorneys should already be

familiar with these rules. (7) Bankruptcy Rule 9011 addresses many abuses. This

national rule has been interpreted by publicized case law. For all of these reasons, I

see no need for uniform rules.

• The current issues and problems facing bankruptcy courts are the same that faced

them 11 years ago, namely, attorneys who fail to disclose conflicts or fail to perform

services in accordance with rules of professional responsibility. Efforts to

“nationalize” these rules based on a district court model will only confuse the issues

and result in disaster, much like the current proposed revisions to the Federal Rules of

Bankruptcy Procedure. There seems to be a desire to have the district court

practitioners rush to bankruptcy court. This is to be accomplished by a “cram down”

of new rules on the bankruptcy courts. This is a fallacy. If we build it, they will not

come.

• If there is a problem it is not with the existing standards and rules, which I feel should

be left alone.

• I see no need for any national standards. Lawyer discipline is traditionally a state

matter. We simply do not need another set of standards. However, if standards are

adopted (for whatever reason) I think the same standards should apply in all federal

courts.

• I oppose uniform standards period. Stay out of it. If it is a problem in our district, let

the judge address it on a case-by-case basis.

• My experience has been that when rules are “nationalized” it tends to cause delay and

increase expense for this court. I fear that national rules regarding attorney conduct

would lower the level of conduct that we now have in this court.

• I do not think it reasonable to assume that a national, uniform standard of attorney

conduct could be developed that could be fairly and evenly applied to lawyers

practicing in Idaho and Los Angeles, and to attorneys practicing in chapter 11 megacases and to those practicing in consumer chapter 7 cases. Attorney conduct

standards, by necessity, should be developed by the local bar association and local

bankruptcy courts. Our biggest challenges are in cases where there are too many

lawyers (large chapter 11s) and in cases where fees are too low (consumer chapter 7s)

where there is intense competition for clients. While there may be instances where

minimum standards of conduct could be developed, local courts should also be

allowed to develop additional or stricter standards of conduct to address problems of

unique, local concern.
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• I think that the standards adopted at the state level should apply in bankruptcy courts,

and in district courts. Why require a separate set of standards? For example, our state

standards track the ABA standards. Where local conditions require a different rule,

the local district and bankruptcy courts can modify by a local rule. The proliferation

of “standards” is designed to confuse and is not necessary. A little room for the

“working of the joints” is in order.

• If there are differences between the Rules of Professional Conduct (as adopted by the

[state] Court of Appeals made applicable to our bankruptcy court by . . . Local Rule . .

.) and some hypothetical national standard, I would vote in favor of following the

[state] Rule instead of the national standard. Attorneys practicing in [this jurisdiction]

ought not be required to conform their conduct to two conflicting standards.

Potentially the two different standards might on rare occasion give rise to an

attorney’s not being able to be in compliance with both standards at the same time.

For example, a rigorous standard for disclosures to a court under a hypothetical

national rule might conflict with an attorney’s duty to guard a client’s confidences

under the state rule.

• Attorney conduct issues should be handled on a local level. Adopting a national

uniform standard would take away the rights and responsibilities of individual judges

to do their jobs.

• The ABA Model Rules are sufficient. We do not need any more rules

• I do not believe that another general set of standards governing attorney conduct

would be helpful. Every jurisdiction already has state ethical rules, and a single

federal standard does not guaranty uniformity among districts. In terms of

bankruptcy, a mechanism should exist regarding waiver of conflicts upon notice and

with court approval. Debtors in possession should be able to hire their prepetition

accountants even if they owe the accountants a debt. The alternative, new

accountants, can be expensive. Moreover, with so few major accounting firms

remaining, it is difficult to find disinterested accountants in larger cases. These

comments are not limited to accountants. There are circumstances where an actual

conflict may nonetheless be technical and the alternatives too costly.

• Lawyers already have enough rules and canons to follow. More rules would only

cause more disputes involving more time and money. We don’t need more rules.

Leave well enough alone.

• The problem lies in differences among state law requirements. Unless all state codes

of professional responsibility become uniform, federal court nationalized

requirements would only lead to conflicting responsibilities.
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• Other than an occasional allegation that an attorney’s fee request is excessive, or an

occasional display of conduct by an attorney which might be classified as somewhat

lacking in civility, this court has not experienced any “problems” with regard to

attorney conduct. With respect to attorney civility, I believe that local rules, such as

our district’s local rule on attorney conduct, is sufficient.

• Attorney conduct is often a product of local legal culture or lack thereof. Attorneys

who work together frequently and trust each other tend to have fewer conduct

problems, or the consequence is immediate. National standards aid attorneys who

practice in more than one jurisdiction, but are unnecessary and have no benefit to the

vast numbers of attorneys who practice in a single district and state. Local ties and

tradition are more helpful for such attorneys.

• In this and other areas, I believe the rules of conduct are best left to the individual

states. I see no need for a national, uniform rule in these areas.

• On reflection, the Canons of Ethics and Standard of Conduct applicable to [our

state’s] lawyers are sufficient to maintain an ethical environment in the U.S.

Bankruptcy Court for the district. Almost all lawyers who practice in our court are

members of the [state] Bar. I see no need for a separate national standard. If the

ethical rules differ significantly from one state or jurisdiction to another, tell me what

the differences are before asking me if we need a national standard.

• [Our state] has state rules that cover the same areas as the ABA model rules. There

are differences. For example, ABA Rule 3.7 generally prohibits an attorney from

being called as a witness. The [state] rule is less restrictive. I do not understand how

national standards will interface with state standards.

• Attorneys are used to the state rules of professional conduct on these issues and the

body of case law interpreting those rules. Those rules are adequate to deal with

professional conduct in bankruptcy court.

• It seems difficult to craft a set of conflicts rules that will work in all types of cases,

without considering the amounts in issue. Absolute disqualification rules which may

work (and be necessary) in large corporate cases will create special problems in

consumer debtor cases. Technically, a married couple filing a consumer chapter 7 is

two cases with separate estates, even if they are not both liable on all the debts. The

potential for conflict can be large. And if the debtors end up getting divorced, the

conflict gets worse.

• I oppose uniform standards period. Stay out of it. If it is a problem in our district let

the judge address it on a case-by-case basis.

• The problem in dealing with attorney conduct issues is not only the unique character

of bankruptcy issues, but also questions of context. In my view it is possible to set
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general guidelines for disclosure and to rely on the disciplinary standards already in

place in each district. However, setting uniformity between districts or between the

district and bankruptcy court assumes that the issues arise in the same way or in

similar context. They often do not, and the setting of a uniform standard might restrict

the ability of bankruptcy courts to control attorney conduct rather than promote it.

• National standards sometimes lower the bar of conduct of counsel. They are subject

to change due to focused lobbying pressure by attorney associations. I strongly urge

that such a motion be rejected.

• I believe attorney conduct standards are best left in the first instance to the governing

state bar and then to the local federal courts to adopt those standards to the needs of

the local courts and bar. “National” and “uniform” are not better in this area, in my

view.

• ABA standards and state bar standards are quite adequate to govern attorney conduct.

We do not need another set of standards applicable only in bankruptcy courts and

United States district courts.

• I am not of the view that uniform federal rules of ethics are necessary or appropriate.

• No uniform requirements can take into account local differences of ethics, behaviors,

or expected behaviors.

• National standards are “pie in the sky” because local culture tends to govern. And my

experience indicates that the rules in place are adequate for the task.

• First, I am unalterably opposed to this trend toward uniform national rules and

standards to cover every situation that comes before the court. Second, I feel that I

have a good sense of what are legally, ethically and morally proper standards of

conduct for an attorney appearing in my court. If there is a problem, it is handled,

quietly, quickly and efficiently without having to refer to a national standard. I have

had a few problems and they never occurred a second time.

• I do not believe national standards applicable to the bankruptcy court are necessary or

appropriate. Judges can and probably should be stricter in sanctioning attorney

misconduct, but another layer of rules does not seem necessary.

• I do not believe we need national standards. In [a state], we have thorough rules of

professional conduct, which work quite well in the bankruptcy context. I am of the

view that if it is not broken, don’t fix it. I’m not aware that it is broken here in the

bankruptcy courts.

• District court procedure would be difficult to apply in bankruptcy cases and

proceedings. I would not change existing procedure.
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• Keeping in mind that I have only been a judge for a few months (but a bankruptcy

attorney for years before that), I believe the Rules of Professional Conduct in [our

state] (and, I assume, other states) combined with the Bankruptcy Code and Rules and

any local rules are more than enough. Adding an overlay of national standards would

create an unnecessary layer of regulation and potential confusion

• I am generally opposed to a national standard. Each state has adopted a code of

professional responsibility or similar canon of ethics. If the national standard

conflicted with that prescribed by the state supreme court, which would the attorney

follow? I am not in the attorney discipline business. In [our state], the Board of

Professional Responsibility is set up to handle complaints and does so in an effective

and efficient manner.

III. Mixed and Miscellaneous Views

• I think we must also be mindful of the role of state bar organizations who generally

govern attorney conduct. I do not know whether the state bars’ codes of conduct

differ in any significant way from the ABA Model Rules. If they do, it would seem

unwise to set one standard for attorneys practicing in the federal courts and another

for those practicing in the state courts where those federal courts are located.

• I am not opposed to a national standard. I am opposed to a standard that differs,

nationally or locally, from that of the district court.

• There needs to be debate in this area. For example, bankruptcy court opinions are all

over the place on whether one counsel can represent affiliated corporations in chapter

11s.

• Standards should be kept straightforward and simple.

• Adopting a national standard for attorney conduct in the bankruptcy courts would

only cause unwanted problems. Attorneys are members of state and local bars which

have their own rules. Requiring attorneys to abide by two sets of rules only

complicates matters. If uniform rules are adopted, they should be the ABA Model

Rules with no changes. Attorney conduct problems are the same in all courts: there

are no special problems in bankruptcy courts that do not occur in state and district

courts. Thus, the rules should be the same in all courts; and the closer those rules are

to common sense, the better. The issues and problems past, current, and future, with

regard to attorney conduct were, are and will be the same in all courts. Some will

ignore the rules, some will not need rules, and most will be confused by the rules.

• Because of the complicated nature of the process of settling standards for judging

human conduct, it was very difficult answering some questions without appearing to

be inconsistent with the answers to other questions. This may suggest that there are so
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many different circumstances here, that it will be impossible to craft an identical set

of standards for bankruptcy and district courts. Whatever decision is made, the

national uniform standard in the bankruptcy courts should be flexible to account for

regional customs.

• There are no special “bankruptcy-related” issues with regard to attorney conduct.

Accordingly, uniformity should be a touchstone of any rulemaking.

• I do not believe any problems are caused by inadequate requirements for disclosure in

Bankruptcy Rule 2014. It would help to add “irrespective of whether the applicant or

person to be employed perceives any such connection to represent a conflict of

interest” because attorneys think they are the decision maker as to whether a conflict

exists. They need to better understand that they are to make a full disclosure and the

court decides if a conflict exists.

• There are very few conduct issues arising in my district, or the other districts where

I’ve served.

• The issues of attorney discipline needs to be addressed: (1) What if sanctions are

inappropriate (i.e., both sides at fault so neither side should be rewarded or it would

be a windfall to the other side or the court is the “party” who has been wronged)? (2)

Since attorneys are admitted to the district court, what authority does the bankruptcy

court have to “disbar” them?

• I believe leaving it up to the individual bankruptcy court works well. There is no

reason for a national uniform standard to be adopted. If it is determined that a national

standard must be adopted, it would be the same as the district court standard and

based on the ABA Model Rules.

• Conflict issues in bankruptcy cases frequently tend to be different and more complex

than those arising in district courts due to the frequent involvement of multiple parties

in bankruptcy cases. It is fairly common for situations to arise where attorneys

become disabled or otherwise cease practice or making appearances for clients and

where attorneys fail to adhere to court orders mandating repayment of funds. I believe

bankruptcy courts should be able to act swiftly to discipline attorneys in these areas

with sanctions, including suspension. It is not clear that this power exists or how it

should be exercised apart from the district court.

• I believe that both the district courts and the bankruptcy courts should adopt the Code

of Professional Conduct which is applicable in the state in which those courts are

located. Although I do not believe that any problems were caused by inadequate

requirements for disclosure in Bankruptcy Rule 2014, it might be helpful if the rule

contained some explanation of the meaning of “connections” as used in Rule 2014

without attempting to have an all-inclusive definition.
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• Codes of ethics and codes of conduct dealing with honesty and the appearances of

honesty should be broadly drafted and universal. Codes of civility, dealing with

professionalism, respect for the system and each other, should be drafted in much

greater detail. Many lawyers think ethics and civility are about the same issues; they

are not. Many lawyers think ethics rules are inherently more important than civility;

they are not.

• One problem is the use by judges of their personal perceptions of “fairness” in ruling

on fees. This can result in “penny ante” moralism rather than effecting any

constructive change in attorney behavior. Certainly “padding” the book is

inappropriate but it is purely arbitrary to deny or characterize as padding all

intraoffice conferences, for example. I think that there is an over-fixation on looking

at time records with a fine-tooth comb and failing to evaluate the fee applications in

the context of the monetary size of the estate. Even if every time entry is justified,

fees should have a reasonable relationship to the size of the estate and be reduced if

they don’t.

• The rules on disclosure and “connection” with any attorney, accountant, or

professional person by the debtor’s counsel in a chapter 11 case for each creditor is a

rule that defies practical application. This disclosure is impractical when applied to a

partner in a firm of 200 lawyers, 1000 creditors, or a big-6 accounting firm engaged

by the debtor and another firm engaged by the creditors’ committee. The rule on

“imputed disqualification” is hopelessly snarled, especially when attorneys make

lateral moves among firms. Detailed description of time entries in the fee applications

routinely result in either unintelligible coded entries or breaches of confidentiality.

We desperately need a rule on minimum scope of engagements in chapters 7 and 13

cases. Ultimately, we need admission to a bankruptcy bar to reflect specialization.

• There should not be a uniform national standard. If there is a uniform national

standard, it should be the ABA Model Rules on all subjects noted. State supreme

courts regulate the legal profession. Our state’s rules apply in our state’s federal

courts. We do not have a problem with rules, although we occasionally have a

problem with a lawyer adhering to the rules. When that happens, we deal with that.

The practice of law should not be federalized with separate rules in federal courts and

in each state court.

• The status quo, albeit riddled with conundrums, is preferable to more rules that

merely add to the risk of confusion. If there are to be federal court standards, there

should be no difference between bankruptcy and district courts.

• By and large, in this district there are not big problems in this whole area, especially

among the bulk of practitioners. Code provisions on conflicts of interest, and maybe

on the disinterestedness standard, should be relaxed somewhat to allow some

discretion on part of the bankruptcy court.
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• The biggest problem I have and hear about relates to attorney competence rather than

conduct issues. [ABA Model] Rules 1.5(a)(1), (4) and (7) allow some action by the

court but are limited and someone has to raise the issue.

• Most problems stem from a lack of adequate or appropriate communications which

results in assumptions that give rise to disputes which could be resolved without

rancor or court intervention.

• There seem to be no good reasons why the standards of conduct an attorney is

expected to adhere to should differ. Nonetheless, the standards of conduct (to the

extent they are not dictated by statute or the applicable rules of procedure) should

properly be determined by the court which is charged with supervising admission to

the bar. Since the bankruptcy court is part of (a unit of) the district court (28 U.S.C.

Section 151), the standards of conduct promulgated by the various district courts

govern the bankruptcy courts in those districts. Any difference should be a function of

either statutes or the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedures, not some separate

standard or model that would apply only to bankruptcy matters.

• This [district] has a very useful general order which can be used to prevent an

attorney from practicing anywhere in the district.

• I think we need to opt for uniformity of standards in each state at the expense of

national uniformity. Thus, the same standards should be applied to, [a state’s]

lawyers, for example, whether they appear in state or federal court. As a matter of

comity, federal courts should apply state rules and standards unless there is a real odd

ball local state law or an identifiable need for national uniformity.

• There is no national uniform standard for district courts. If there were, I’d want

bankruptcy courts to follow it. As matters are, I think bankruptcy courts should

follow local rules on attorney conduct.

• The heavy volume of cases and large numbers of attorneys who appear in bankruptcy

courts make the review and resolution of attorney conduct issues difficult. In addition,

the large number of interested parties with varying interests lends to many conflict

issues.

• Disputes regarding alleged conflict of interest revolves (usually) around the

“disinterestedness” standard. The standard serves no useful purpose on its own and

should be eliminated. In its place, the usual conflict rules should apply.

• The rub is in the drafting. The National Bankruptcy Review Commission found it

relatively easy to conceptualize the issues, and very difficult to articulate standards

and methods for resolving the issues. Nonbankruptcy groups and scholars have had

similar experiences. Nevertheless, somebody should pick up the inquiry and

suggestions left by the Commission and continue to try to identify problem areas and
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to study possible drafting solutions to those problems. It is entirely possible that an

identification of standards applicable in nonbankruptcy areas will emerge from the

identification of solutions in the bankruptcy areas. Alternatively, the creation of

standards to be used in connection with the peculiar problems facing attorneys

involved in bankruptcy cases and proceedings will become clearer as the same or

similar issues are illuminated by work in areas seemingly beyond the bankruptcy

context.

• I would abolish the disinterestedness limitation in the Bankruptcy Code and Rules in

so far as it relates to the appointment of professionals. I think it often results in

unnecessary, costly and arbitrary disqualifications. Generally applicable ethical rules,

including conflict of interest rules, are adequate in bankruptcy proceedings.