The Camden County Bar Association has a long and proud history of service
to the public, to our system of justice and to its members. The lawyers
who have the privilege of being accepted as Association members continue
a tradition of treating fellow members and the judiciary before whom
the practice in a professional and courteous manner. While this professionalism
includes acting with integrity and complying with the ethical standards
mandated by the Rules of Professional Conduct, it goes beyond those
fundamental obligations and represents the higher standard of conduct
that makes the profession of law more than a competitive service industry.
The legal profession, however, stands at the crossroads of becoming
such a large, impersonal and technologically oriented business that
some members lose sight of the traditional values and virtues to which
lawyers of the past had always subscribed.
At a time when the complexities of the law and the fast-paced society which
it mirrors make practicing our learned art increasingly difficult, the members
of the Camden County Bar Association wish to restate their commitment to the
standards of professional courtesy, which have guided us and our conduct towards
each other for more than a century.
In furtherance of this goal, the members of the Camden County Bar Association
do hereby adopt the following Code of Professionalism.
I will provide my client with objective advice and will endeavor
to represent my client's lawful interests as expeditiously and economically
as possible.
I will advise my client against pursuing a course of action that
is without merit and against tactics which are intended to delay resolution
of the matter, or to harass or drain the financial resources of the
opposing party.
I will counsel my client that a willingness to initiate or engage
in settlement discussions is consistent with zealous and effective
representation, and the civility and courtesy to others during the
course of representing the client are not to be equated with weakness,
but rather are virtues upon which our system of justice is founded.
I will treat with civility and courtesy opposing counsel and other
lawyers and their staffs, parties, witnesses and the courts and members
of the court staff. Professional courtesy is a professional necessity
and is entirely compatible with vigorous advocacy and zealous representation.
I will never knowingly misstate facts or law, and I shall always
act so that other lawyers and judges can trust in and rely upon my
oral or written word.
I will agree to reasonable extensions of time or for waiver of procedural
formalities when the legitimate interest of my client will not be
adversely affected.
I will endeavor to consult with opposing counsel before scheduling
depositions or meetings and before rescheduling hearings, and I will
cooperate with opposing counsel when scheduling changes are requested.
I will be punctual in honoring scheduled appearance and in providing
notice of cancellation of appointments, depositions, or hearings to
all concerned parties at the earliest possible time.
In the conduct of litigation or negotiation, I will conduct myself
with fairness and dignity, refraining from any course of conduct meant
to harass the opposing party; from engaging in excessive or abusive
discovery, and from advancing groundless objections or committing
other acts of rudeness or disrespect.
I will be considerate in my communications with others, promptly
returning telephone calls and responding to correspondence from clients
and other lawyers.
While I will be a vigorous advocate on my client's behalf, I always
will be mindful that I am an officer of the court, and that I have
an obligation to conduct myself with respect for the court and for
my adversaries.
In civil proceedings, I will voluntarily withdraw claims or defenses
if it becomes apparent that they lack merit, and I will stipulate
to non-essential facts as to which there is no genuine dispute. I
will cooperate with other lawyers towards the goal of having matters
resolved in a prompt and fair fashion.
I will not quarrel needlessly over matters of form or style, but
will concentrate on matters of substance and content.
I will strive to keep current in the areas in which I practice.
I will familiarize myself with the Rules of Professional Conduct and
adhere to these rules in the everyday practice of my profession.
I will be mindful of my obligation to enhance the image of the
legal profession in all of my professional actions. I will be so guided
in my comments about the judiciary, opposing counsel or the members
of any other profession, and in the methods and contents of any advertising
which I may pursue.
I recognize that the law is a learned profession and that among
its desirable goals are devotion to public service, improvement of
the administration of justice and the contribution of uncompensated
time towards the administration of justice and on behalf of those
persons who cannot afford legal assistance.
As a condition of membership in the Camden County Bar Association, I agree
to abide by and conduct the practice of law in a manner consistent with the
Code.
