Page 9 - Delaware Lawyer - Issue 2 - 2024

PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONALISM FOR DELAWARE LAWYERS
The Delaware State Bar Association and the Delaware Supreme Court have jointly adopted the Principles of Professionalism for Delaware Lawyers for the guidance of Delaware lawyers, effective November 1, 2003. These Principles replace and supercede the Statement of Principles of Lawyer Conduct adopted by the Delaware State Bar Association on November 15, 1991. They are not intended, nor should they be construed, as establishing any minimum standards of professional care or competence, or as altering a lawyer’s responsibilities under the Delaware Lawyers’ Rules of Professional Conduct. These Principles shall not be used as a basis for litigation, lawyer discipline or sanctions. The purpose of adopting the Principles is to promote and foster the ideals of profes- sional courtesy, conduct and cooperation. These Principles are fundamental to the functioning of our system of justice and public confidence in that system.
PRINCIPLES.
A.IN GENERAL. A lawyer should develop and maintain the qualities of integrity, compassion, learning, civility, diligence and public service that mark the most admired members of our profession. A lawyer should provide an example to the community in these qualities and should not be satisfied with minimal compliance with the mandatory rules governing professional conduct. These qualities apply both to office practice and to litigation. A lawyer should be mindful of the need to protect the standing of the legal profession in the view of the public and should bring these Principles to the attention of other
lawyers when appropriate.
1. INTEGRITY. Personal integrity is the most important quality in a lawyer. A lawyer’s integrity requires personal conduct that does not impair the render- ing of professional service of the highest skill and ability; acting with candor; preserving confidences; treating others with respect; and acting with conviction and courage in advocating a lawful cause. Candor requires both the expression of the truth and the refusal to mislead others in speech and demeanor.
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BOB CRAIG
All states have formal rules governing attorney ethics. The American Bar Association has published rules and guidelines concerning ethics since the early 20th century.1 But Delaware’s Principles go beyond the bare-minimum expectation of most ethics rules. They prescribe how lawyers should act, beyond merely what they are prohibited from doing.
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