American Inns of Court Professional Creed

Whereas, the Rule of Law is essential to preserving and protecting the rights and liberties of a free people; and

Whereas, throughout history, lawyers and judges have preserved, protected and defended the Rule of Law in order to ensure justice for all; and

Whereas, preservation and promulgation of the highest standards of excellence in professionalism, ethics, civility, and legal skills are essential to achieving justice under the Rule of Law;

Now therefore, as a member of an American Inn of Court, I hereby adopt this professional creed with a pledge to honor its principles and practices: 
 

• I will treat the practice of law as a learned profession and will uphold the standards of the profession with dignity, civility and courtesy.

• I will value my integrity above all. My word is my bond.

• I will develop my practice with dignity and will be mindful in my communications with the public that what is constitutionally permissible may not be professionally appropriate.

• I will serve as an officer of the court, encouraging respect for the law in all that I do and avoiding abuse or misuse of the law, its procedures, its participants and its processes.

• I will represent the interests of my client with vigor and will seek the most expeditious and least costly solutions to problems, resolving disputes through negotiation whenever possible.

• I will work continuously to attain the highest level of knowledge and skill in the areas of the law in which I practice.

• I will contribute time and resources to public service, charitable activities and pro bono work.

• I will work to make the legal system more accessible, responsive and effective.

• I will honor the requirements, the spirit and the intent of the applicable rules or codes of professional conduct for my jurisdiction, and will encourage others to do the same.

American Inns of Court Professional Creed (PDF).

The American Inns of Court Professional Creed may also be found at here.

For additional Information about the American Inns of Court, please visit their website.

"American Inns of Court" and the crest are service marks of the American Inns of Court Foundation.