Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct

The Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct are a set of ethical guidelines for attorneys.

The Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct are a set of guidelines that attorneys in the state must agree to follow to be admitted to the bar. Once admitted, attorneys can be disciplined by the Indiana Disciplinary Commission for failing to follow the rules. Conduct that violates the guidelines may result in discipline ranging from a private administrative admonition to permanent disbarment.

Client-Lawyer Relationship, Counselor and Advocate

An attorney must be competent in the area of law in which a client seeks representation. If she's competent, the Rules of Professional Conduct require that the attorney act with diligence and promptness and communicate appropriately with the client. Fees must be reasonable and the client must clearly understand the costs involved.

Law Firms and Associations

Partners, or managers, of law firms must make reasonable efforts to ensure that all of the firm's attorneys are in compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct. If one of the firm's attorneys supervises another, the supervising attorney may be held responsible, along with the subordinate attorney, for a breach of the rules if the supervisor was aware of the conduct.

Public Service

Attorneys in Indiana are required to spend some of their time on public service work. Typically, public service work is in the form of pro bono legal services, which an attorney will donate to one of many charitable organizations. Indiana also has a voluntary attorney pro bono plan in an effort to ensure all Indiana residents have access to the courts.

Information About Legal Services

The Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct allow attorneys to advertise their services, but there are limits on the messages that may be communicated. Primarily, advertisements may not be misleading or deceptive. Also, an attorney may not give anything of value to a member of the media in exchange for publicity in a news story.

References

• Cornell University Law School: American Legal Ethics Library -- Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct
• American Bar Association: Comparison of Newly Adopted Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct with ABA Model Rules
• Indiana Supreme Court: Order Amending Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct
• Indiana Rules of Court: Rules for Admission to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys

Resources

• Indiana Courts: Disciplinary Commission