The Rules Of Professional Conduct For Legal Practitioners, 2007: At Your Finger Tips By Abubakar Suleiman

2. Highlights of the Rules of Professional Conduct

This highlights will cover the general responsibility of lawyers, role and duties of counsel to court, duty of counsel to other lawyers, duty of counsel to clients, improper attraction of business, remuneration and miscellaneous.

1. General Responsibility of Lawyers

As a legal practitioner, you have a general responsibility not to engage in any conduct which is unbecoming of a lawyer,[1] not to admit unqualified persons into the profession,[2] nor aid the unauthorised practice of law.[3] Avoid intermediaries in your work[4] but you are free to partner with other legal practitioners.[5] If you are in judicial or public employment,[6] don’t engage in business[7] or any salaried employment.[8] Take note that; practicing fee is compulsory,[9] obtain your accredited seal and stamp,[10] attend Continuing Professional Development course,[11] you are entitle to practicing certificate[12] and notify NBA when you set-up a new office.[13]

1. Duties of Counsel to Clients

As you relate with your client(s), you are to dedicate and devote to your client cause,[14] represent him within the bounds of law[15] and represent him competently.[16] Avoid conflict of interest[17] where there is agreement with you[18] or he entrust you with privilege information.[19] As a witness[20] do not withdraw from his employment[21] or call at his house.[22] In dealing with his property,[23] you have responsibility for litigation[24] and you must investigate facts and ensure proper production of witness.[25]

1. Duties of Counsel to other Lawyers

As you relate with other lawyers, keep fellowship and precedence,[26] your acts should be fair and in good faith,[27] you can associate with them in single matter,[28] and observe the rules when your client change or debrief you.[29]

1. Role and Duties of Counsel to Court

As you relate with the court, being an officer[30] you have a duty of good conduct,[31] candid and fair dealing,[32] not to publicise trials.[33] Beware of your closeness to judges,[34] respect tribunals,[35] act with decorum,[36] do the necessary in the best interest of your client but don’t stand bail for them,[37] and exert your best effort while handling the brief of an indigent client.[38]

1. Improper Attraction of Business

As a professional tycoon; don’t solicit but fairly advertise,[39] use note-papers, envelopes and visit cards,[40] signs and note;[41] books and articles[42] are also allowed. You can publish your new address,[43] your willingness to associate with other lawyers in your locality.[44] Be robe in superior courts,[45] you can handle some press, radio and television legal interviews,[46] but don’t instigate litigation.[47]

1. Remuneration

As a professional employee, you are entitle to remuneration,[48] you can accept general or special retainer,[49] arrange for contingent fee in civil matters,[50] but don’t agree to pay litigation expenses.[51] Your fee should be reasonable and commensurate,[52] avoid sharing your legal service fee,[53] and don’t accept gifts from your client’s opponents.[54]

1. Miscellaneous

The provisions of the rules are enforceable against any person bearing the second word[55] as defined in the interpretation rule,[56] see the citation.[57]

3. Conclusion

The above rules segmented and summarize will make one appreciate the rules of professional conduct at his fingertips. It’s the responsibility of lawyers or law students to appreciate the entire rules and applied them when the need arise.

PREPARED BY: ABUBAKAR SULEIMAN (ABOU AMMAR) HOPE ATTORNEYS, 10 ZARIA ROAD, KANO.

BRIGHT ATTORNEYS, 7 BOMPAI ROAD, KANO

sasmalislam72@gmail.com

[1] Rule 1 RPC

[2] Rule 2 RPC

[3] Rule 3 RPC

[4] Rule 4 RPC

[5] Rule 5 RPC

[6] Rule 6 RPC

[7] Rule 7 RPC

[8] Rule 8 RPC

[9] Rule 9 RPC

[10] Rule 10 RPC

[11] Rule 11 RPC

[12] Rule 12 RPC

[13] Rule 13 RPC

[14] Rule 14 RPC

[15] Rule 15 RPC

[16] Rule 16 RPC

[17] Rule 17 RPC

[18] Rule 18 RPC

[19] Rule 19 RPC

[20] Rule 20 RPC

[21] Rule 21 RPC

[22] Rule 22 RPC

[23] Rule 23 RPC

[24] Rule 24 RPC

[25] Rule 25 RPC

[26] Rule 26 RPC

[27] Rule 27 RPC

[28] Rule 28 RPC

[29] Rule 29 RPC

[30] Rule 30 RPC

[31] Rule 31 RPC

[32] Rule 32 RPC

[33] Rule 33 RPC

[34] Rule 34 RPC

[35] Rule 35 RPC

[36] Rule 36 RPC

[37] Rule 37 RPC

[38] Rule 38 RPC

[39] Rule 39 RPC

[40] Rule 40 RPC

[41] Rule 41 RPC

[42] Rule 42 RPC

[43] Rule 43 RPC

[44] Rule 44 RPC

[45] Rule 45 RPC

[46] Rule 46 RPC

[47] Rule 47 RPC

[48] Rule 48 RPC

[49] Rule 49 RPC

[50] Rule 50 RPC

[51] Rule 51 RPC

[52] Rule 52 RPC

[53] Rule 53 RPC

[54] Rule 54  RPC

[55] Rule 55 RPC

[56] Rule 56 RPC

[57] Rule 57 RPC]]>