Within the legal profession, it is not unusual for lawyers to run across a host of ethical challenges. They may face constant pressure to increase their billable hours, or their desperation to win a case may lead them to withhold evidence that must be disclosed to opposing counsel. They may be encouraged to do anything they can to win a case, regardless of ethical implications. As a result, lawyers need to be especially vigilant with the rules of professional responsibility to avoid ethics rules violations.
Every state bar association maintains its own rules of professional responsibility for lawyers. It is up to the law firms themselves to make sure that their attorneys adhere to these rules. In a sense, their duty to these rules sits above any and all other responsibilities. Essentially, legal ethics rules demand that lawyers refrain from criminal behavior, handle all payments legally, communicate effectively with their clients, and avoid defrauding anyone.
