- Casemaker
- Directories
- Check CLE
- Public Information
- Handbook
- Member Essentials
- Programs
- Ethics
- Cornerstones of Freedom
- Communications
- Sections
- Young Lawyers Division
- Related Organizations
- Bar Meetings
- Parking Deck
- Law-Related Education
- Sponsorship/Marketing
- Vendor Directory
- Conference Center
- Storefront
Canon of Ethics and Standards Before 2001
(Before January 1, 2001)
CHAPTER 1 CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY PREAMBLE
In this State, where the stability of courts and of all departments of government rests upon the approval of the people, it is peculiarly essential that the system for establishing and dispensing justice be developed to a high point of efficiency and so maintained that the public shall have absolute confidence in the integrity and impartiality of its administration. The future of this State and of the Republic, of which it is a member, to a great extent, depends upon our maintenance of justice pure and unsullied. It cannot be so maintained unless the conduct and motives of the members of our profession are such as to merit approval of all just men.
No code or set of rules can be framed which will particularize all duties of the lawyers in varying phases of litigation or in all the relations of the professional life. The following canons of ethics are adopted by the State Bar of Georgia as a general guide, yet the enumeration of particular duties should not be construed as a denial of the existence of others equally imperative, though not specifically mentioned.
Rule 3-101. (CANON 1) A Lawyer Should Assist in Maintaining the Integrity and Competence of the Legal Profession.
Rule 3-102. (CANON 2) A Lawyer Should Assist the Legal Profession in Fulfilling Its Duty to Make Legal Counsel Available.
Rule 3-103. (CANON 3) A Lawyer Should Assist in Preventing the Unauthorized Practice of Law.
Rule 3-104. (CANON 4) A Lawyer Should Preserve the Confidences and Secrets of a Client.
Rule 3-105. (CANON 5) A Lawyer Should Exercise Independent Professional Judgment on Behalf of a Client
Rule 3-106. (CANON 6) A Lawyer Should Represent a Client Competently.
Rule 3-107. (CANON 7) A Lawyer Should Represent a Client Zealously Within the Bounds of the Law.
Rule 3-108. (CANON 8) A Lawyer Should Assist in Improving the Legal System.
Rule 3-109. (CANON 9) A Lawyer Should Avoid Even the Appearance of Professional Impropriety.
(Before January 1, 2001)
CHAPTER 1 DISBARMENT, SUSPENSION, REPRIMAND AND ADMONITION
Rule 4-101. Enforcement of Professional Standards
Rule 4-102. Disciplinary Action; Levels of Discipline; Standards
Rule 4-103. Multiple Violations
Rule 4-104. Mental Incapacity and Substance Abuse
Rule 4-105. Deceased, Incapacitated, Imprisoned and Disappearing Attorneys
Rule 4-106. Conviction of a Crime; Suspension and Disbarment
Rule 4-107. (Reserved)
Rule 4-108. Conduct Constituting Threat of Harm to Clients or Public; Emergency Suspension
Rule 4-109. Refusal or Failure to Appear for Reprimand; Suspension
Rule 4-110. Definitions
Rule 4-111 Audit for Cause
CHAPTER 2 DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
Rule 4-201. State Disciplinary Board
Rule 4-202. Receipt of Grievances; Initial Review by Bar Counsel
Rule 4-203. Powers and Duties
Rule 4-203.1. Uniform Service Rule
Rule 4-204. Preliminary Investigation by Investigative Panel-Generally
Rule 4-204.1. Notice of Investigation
Rule 4-204.2. Service of the Notice of Investigation
Rule 4-204.3. Answer to Notice of Investigation Required
Rule 4-204.4. Finding of Probable Cause; Referral to Special Master
Rule 4-204.5. Letters of Instruction
Rule 4-205. Confidential Discipline; In General
Rule 4-206. Confidential Discipline; Contents
Rule 4-207. Letters of Formal Admonition and Investigative Panel Reprimands; Notification and Right of Rejection
Rule 4-208. Confidential Discipline; Effect in Event of Subsequent Discipline
Rule 4-208.1. Notice of Discipline
Rule 4-208.2. Notice of Discipline; Contents; Service
Rule 4-208.3. Rejection of Notice of Discipline
Rule 4-208.4. Formal Complaint Following Notice of Rejection of Discipline
Rule 4-209. Docketing by Supreme Court; Appointment of Special Master; Challenges to Special Master
Rule 4-209.1. Special Masters
Rule 4-209.2. Special Masters in Emergency Suspension Proceedings; Qualifications, Training, Terms, Powers and Duties
Rule 4-210. Powers and Duties of Special Masters
Rule 4-211. Formal Complaint; Service
Rule 4-211.1 Dismissal after Formal Complaint
Rule 4-212. Answer of Respondent; Discovery
Rule 4-213. Evidentiary Hearing
Rule 4-214. This rule is reserved.
Rule 4-215. This rule is reserved.
Rule 4-216. This rule is reserved.
Rule 4-217. Report of the Special Master to the Review Panel
Rule 4-218. Findings by the Review Panel
Rule 4-219. Judgments and Protective Orders
Rule 4-220. Notice of Punishment or Acquittal; Administration of Reprimands
Rule 4-221. Procedures
Rule 4-222. Limitation
Rule 4-223. Advisory Opinions
Rule 4-224. Expungement of Records
Rule 4-225. Jurisdiction
Rule 4-226. Immunity
Rule 4-227. Petitions for Voluntary Discipline
CHAPTER 3 This Chapter is Reserved
Note Regarding Reinstatement: For detailed information see the Office of Bar Admission's Website, Part A, Section 10.
Rule 4-301. This rule is reserved.
Rule 4-302. This rule is reserved.
Rule 4-303. This rule is reserved.
Rule 4-304. This rule is reserved.
Rule 4-305. This rule is reserved.
Rule 4-306. This rule is reserved.
CHAPTER 4 ADVISORY OPINIONS
Rule 4-401. Informal Advisory Opinions
Rule 4-402. The Formal Advisory Opinion Board
Rule 4-403. Formal Advisory Opinions