Lawyers in litigation matters are duty-bound to represent their clients zealously.
Lawyers appearing pro se advocate their own interests zealously.
In the adversary system, it is assumed that the presentations by each side will produce all available material evidence. When only one party is present, as in an ex parte proceeding, however, there is no counterbalance. Accordingly, the Rules of Professional Conduct impose obligations on attorneys appearing ex parte in addition to the obligations on attorneys generally. Failure to recognize the enhanced duties can lead an attorney into professional misconduct. In a matter before the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility, a lawyer was pro se in a domestic proceeding.