Paralegal Rules of Conduct
Adopted by Convocation March 29, 2007, effective May 1, 2007
Amendments based on the Federation of Law Societies Model Code of Professional Conduct adopted by Convocation February 27, 2014, effective October 1, 2014
Amendments current to February 24, 2022 (see Amendment History)
See also the Paralegal Professional Conduct Guidelines, created to assist with the interpretation and application of the Paralegal Rules of Conduct.
Note: Lawyers should consult the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Complete Paralegal Rules of Conduct
Individual rules:
- RULE 1: Citation and Interpretation — Definitions for key terms used throughout the Rules
- RULE 2: Professionalism — issues related to professionalism, such as integrity and civility, undertakings, harassment and discrimination
- RULE 3: Duty to Clients — client-related issues such as competence, confidentiality, conflict of interest, client property and withdrawal from representation
- RULE 4: Advocacy — duty to clients, tribunals and others, disclosure of documents, interviewing witnesses, communication with witnesses giving testimony, the paralegal as witness and dealing with unrepresented persons
- RULE 5: Fees and Retainers — issues including contingency fees, joint retainers, fee splitting and referral fees
- RULE 6: Duty to the Administration of Justice — general duty, security of court facilities, public appearances and statements, and unauthorized practice
- RULE 7: Duty to Licensees and Others — duty to act with courtesy and good faith
- RULE 8: Practice Management — general obligations, marketing, advertising and insurance
- RULE 9: Responsibility to the Law Society — communications from the Law Society, duties to report, professional misconduct and conduct unbecoming a paralegal