Free Statement of Professionalism - Oregon

STATEMENT OF PROFESSIONALISM
The following Statement of Professiona lism 1 has been adopted by the United States District Court for the District of Ore gon and ap plies to all attorne ys adm itted to p ractice before the b ar of this C ourt. INTRODUCTION As members of the bar of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, we belong to a profession devoted to serving both the interests of our clients and the public good. In our roles as officers of the court, as counselors, and as advocates, we aspire to a professional standard of conduct. With adherence to a professional standard of conduct, we earn a reputation for honor, respect, and trustworthiness among our clients, in the legal community, and with the public. PRO FESSIONAL ISM Professionalism includes integrity, courtesy, honesty, and willing com pliance with the highest ethical standards. Professionalism goes beyond observing the legal profession's ethical rules by sensitively and fairly serving the best interest of clients and the public. Professionalism fosters respect and trust among lawyers and between lawyers and the public, promotes the efficient resolution of disputes, simplifies transactions, and makes the practice of law more enjoyable and satisfying. To further our commitment to conduct ourselves as professionals, we adopt the following general guidelines for our practice. GENERAL GU IDELINES 1.1 As officers of the court, we will pro mote the integrity, dignity, inde pendent judgm ent, effectiveness, and efficiency of the legal system W e will work professionally with all parties whose activities relate to our client's work. W e will conduct our practice in a courteous, fair, and respectful manner. W e will conduct our practice in a timely manner. W e will commit ourselves to develo ping and preserving the ideals of integrity, honesty, com peten ce, fairness, and devo tion to the public interest. We will represent our clients zealously within the bounds of the law and the ethical standards approved by law of the US District Court - District of Oregon, vigorously protecting the interest of our clients in a responsible manner.

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This Statement of Professionalism has been abridged from the Statement of Professionalism adopted by the Oregon State Bar and approved by the Supreme Court of Oregon.

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In appropriate cases, we will advise our clients of the availability of mediation, arbitration, and other alternative metho ds of resolving disputes. W e will avo id all form s of discrimination. W e will actively support all efforts to assure that all members of our society are afforded the protections and rights provided by law. We will not knowingly misstate facts or law. We will not knowing cause a person to form a mistaken conclusion of facts or law. W e will learn and follow practices and civilities that encourage respect, diligence, candor, punc tuality, and trust. W e will avoid unjust and improper criticism and personal attacks on opponents, judges, and others and will refrain from asserting untenable positions. W e will not use delaying tactics. We believe lawyers should solve problems, not crate or exacerbate them. W e will be know ledge able in the areas in which we p ractice, and when ne cessary will associate with or refer clients to counsel knowledgeable in other fields of practice.

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