Standards of conduct for lawyers are determined both ethically and legally.
Standards seek to ensure prompt, adequate, and lawful assistance to clients.
Various codes set standards for lawyers. The Supreme Court has adopted a Code of Professional Responsibility. The American Bar Association has its Canons of Professional Ethics that govern the behavior of its members. In addition, individual state Supreme Courts and legislatures may have their own codes of conduct. The American Bar Association began in 1980 to develop Model Rules of Professional Conduct.