What Are Examples of Attorney Misconduct?
Examples of attorney misconduct include behavior such as breach of trust, violence, interference with the administration of justice, dishonesty or committing a criminal act, explains The Law Library. The American Bar Association says lawyers are responsible for offenses that display a lack of qualities relevant to practicing law.
Making false statements to the court, bringing an unnecessary or frivolous proceeding to court, obstructing access to evidence and offering false evidence are also examples of attorney misconduct, says The Law Library. Intimidating, bribing, or attempting to illegally influence jurors is misconduct. Expressing a personal opinion about the credibility of a witness or the validity of a cause is also misconduct. Attempts to communicate directly with someone represented by another lawyer without permission are considered misconduct. Attorneys who make statements outside of court in an attempt to influence a proceeding are guilty of misconduct.
Misconduct is also defined by federal and state laws that give judges the ability to sanction and discipline lawyers for engaging in certain behaviors, says The Law Library. Attorneys who fail to report the misconduct of colleagues may be found guilty of misconduct. Lawyers are allowed to advertise their services, but they must follow certain guidelines. Advertising that is misleading, deceptive, false, makes unsubstantiated comparisons or violates rules of professional conduct is considered misconduct.
