Arizona Bar Ethics Lawyer
The Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct (“ARPC”) are a set of guidelines that govern a lawyer’s ethical obligations. These rules cover a wide range of topics and provide a framework for how a lawyer should react in certain situations. The ARPR also outline sanctions for violating these rules, which can include suspension from the practice of law. Commons areas where attorneys can get into trouble include:
- Conflicts of interest
- Failure to disclose adverse interests
- Theft of client settlements
- Fraud, deceit and misrepresentation
- Failure to protect confidential information
- Failure to report attorney misconduct
- Criminal Convictions
- Fee Issues
- MCLE compliance
- Client Relationship concerns
State Bar of Arizona Ethics Department
The Ethics Department at the Arizona Bar provides ethics counsel to each member of the Arizona Bar. The Lawyer Ethics Department is separate from Lawyer Regulation Department which handles lawyer discipline. The Ethics Department provides guidance for the 8 Rules:
- Client-Lawyer Relationship
- Counselor
- Advocate
- Transactions with Persons Other Than Clients
- Law Firms and Associations
- Public Service
- Information About Legal Services
- Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession
Professional Responsibility Lawyers
Sometimes it can be tough to know where the line is between creative and unethical conduct – especially if you’re recently licensed to practice or starting out on your own. Chelle Law is available to address specific ethical concerns; so that you don’t find yourself in a tight spot!
AZ Character and Fitness Guidelines
The Character and Fitness application for licensure with the State Bar of AZ ensures that applicants for the Bar not only meet Arizona’s requirement for the practice of law, but also show the ability to perform professional work in an open and honest manor. Our Arizona Character and Fitness Lawyer can assist with all application issues with the Arizona Bar. The Bar requires the disclosure of personal and professional history including:
- Criminal history
- Bankruptcies
- Civil Actions
- Debts
- Past employment
- Other professional licenses
- Traffic Cases
Any past incidents involving the issues listed above could trigger an investigation by the Arizona Supreme Court Committee of Character and Fitness (“Committee“). An investigation could result in:
- A request for further information
- Informal Inquiry
- Informal Hearing
They may, after further investigation or hearing, recommend:
- Recommendation for Admission
- Denial of Admission
- Denial of Admission with suggestions for future re-application
- Conditional Admission (conditioned on compliance with terms)
The 2020 Annual Report of the Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee to the Arizona Supreme Court listed there were (after Informal Inquiries in 2020):
- Regular Admission 38
- Conditional Admission 5
- Referred for Formal Hearing 6
- Withdrew Application 2
Professional License Practice
If you’re interested in learning more about our Arizona Bar Complaint Attorney services and how to protect your license, set up a consultation with the law firm Chelle Law and reach out to us today. The contact form is available via the website.
