In May 1997, the Maryland State Bar Association's Board of Governors approved the following aspirational Code of Civility for all lawyers and judges in Maryland. MSBA encourages all Maryland lawyers and judges to honor and voluntarily adhere to the standards set forth in these codes.
Civility is the cornerstone of the legal profession .
We will treat all participants in the legal process, in a civil, professional, and courteous manner and with respect at all times and in all communications, whether oral or written. These principles are intended to apply to all attorneys who practice law in the State of Maryland regardless of the nature of their practice. We will refrain from acting upon or manifesting racial, gender, or other bias or prejudice toward any participant in the legal process. We will treat all participants in the legal process with respect. We will abstain from disparaging personal remarks or acrimony toward any participants in the legal process and treat everyone with fair consideration.