Pennsylvania Code › Title 204 - JUDICIAL SYSTEM GENERAL PROVISIONS › Part V - PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND CONDUCT › Subpart D - CODE OF CIVILITY › Chapter 99 - CODE OF CIVILITY › Section 99.3 - The Lawyer's Duties to the Court and to Other Lawyers

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
1. A lawyer should act in a manner consistent
				  with the fair, efficient and humane system of justice and treat all
				  participants in the legal process in a civil, professional and courteous manner
				  at all times. These principles apply to the lawyer's conduct in the courtroom,
				  in office practice and in the course of litigation.
2. A lawyer should speak and write in a civil
				  and respectful manner in all communications with the court, court personnel,
				  and other lawyers.
3. A lawyer
				  should not engage in any conduct that diminishes the dignity or decorum of the
				  courtroom.
4. A lawyer should
				  advise clients and witnesses of the proper dress and conduct expected of them
				  when appearing in court and should, to the best of his or her ability, prevent
				  clients and witnesses from creating disorder and disruption in the
				  courtroom.
5. A lawyer should
				  abstain from making disparaging personal remarks or engaging in acrimonious
				  speech or conduct toward opposing counsel or any participants in the legal
				  process and shall treat everyone involved with fair consideration.
6. A lawyer should not bring the profession
				  into disrepute by making unfounded accusations of impropriety or personal
				  attacks upon counsel and, absent good cause, should not attribute improper
				  motive or conduct to other counsel.
7. A lawyer should refrain from acting upon
				  or manifesting racial, gender or other bias or prejudice toward any participant
				  in the legal process.
8. A lawyer
				  should not misrepresent, mischaracterize, misquote or miscite facts or
				  authorities in any oral or written communication to the court.
9. A lawyer should be punctual and prepared
				  for all court appearances.
10. A
				  lawyer should avoid ex parte communications with the court, including the
				  judge's staff, on pending matters in person, by telephone or in letters and
				  other forms of written communication unless authorized. Communication with the
				  judge on any matter pending before the judge, without notice to opposing
				  counsel, is strictly prohibited.
11. A lawyer should be considerate of the
				  time constraints and pressures on the court in the court's effort to administer
				  justice and make every effort to comply with schedules set by the
				  court.
12. A lawyer, when in the
				  courtroom, should make all remarks only to the judge and never to opposing
				  counsel. When in the courtroom a lawyer should refer to opposing counsel by
				  surname preceded by the preferred title (Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Miss) or the
				  professional title of attorney or counselor.
13. A lawyer should show respect for the
				  court by proper demeanor and decorum. In the courtroom a lawyer should address
				  the judge as "Your Honor" or "the Court" or by other formal designation. A
				  lawyer should begin an argument by saying "May it please the court" and
				  identify himself/herself, the firm and the client.
14. A lawyer should deliver to all counsel
				  involved in a proceeding any written communication that a lawyer sends to the
				  court. Said copies should be delivered at substantially the same time and by
				  the same means as the written communication to the court.
15. A lawyer should attempt to verify the
				  availability of necessary participants and witnesses before hearing and trial
				  dates are set or, if that is not feasible, immediately after such dates have
				  been set and promptly notify the court of any anticipated problems.
16. A lawyer should understand that court
				  personnel are an integral part of the justice system and should treat them with
				  courtesy and respect at all times.
17. A lawyer should demonstrate respect for
				  other lawyers, which requires that counsel be punctual in meeting appointments
				  with other lawyers and considerate of the schedules of other participants in
				  the legal process; adhere to commitments, whether made orally or in writing;
				  and respond promptly to communications from other lawyers.
18. A lawyer should strive to protect the
				  dignity and independence of the judiciary, particularly from unjust criticism
				  and attack.
19. A lawyer should be
				  cognizant of the standing of the legal profession and should bring these
				  principles to the attention of other lawyers when appropriate.