Legal Definitions - legal ethics

Definition: Legal ethics, also known as professional responsibility, refers to the special standards, regulations, and liability that lawyers are subject to due to their role in society and their involvement in the administration of law. It is the law governing lawyers and is largely determined by state law, but also has a federal component.

Examples: Lawyers are required to maintain client confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest, and provide competent representation to their clients. They must also adhere to the rules of professional conduct established by their state bar association. For example, a lawyer who represents a client in a criminal case cannot also represent the victim in the same case, as this would create a conflict of interest.

Explanation: Legal ethics are designed to ensure that lawyers act in the best interests of their clients and maintain the integrity of the legal profession. The examples illustrate some of the specific rules and standards that lawyers must follow to fulfill their ethical obligations. For instance, maintaining client confidentiality is essential to building trust with clients and ensuring that they feel comfortable sharing sensitive information with their lawyer. Avoiding conflicts of interest is important to prevent lawyers from being influenced by outside factors that could compromise their ability to represent their clients effectively.