The independence of the legal profession and the professional excellence of its members are the cornerstones of the American Bar Association Center for Professional Responsibility. Since 1978, the Center has provided national leadership and vision in developing and interpreting standards and scholarly resources in legal ethics, professional regulation, competence, professionalism and client protection mechanisms. The Center's devotion to assuring the highest standards of conduct by lawyers and judges and to enhancing the profession's role in serving and protecting the public interest is underscored by its vigilance to meet the challenges of an evolving society.

Through its coordinating efforts, the Center promotes discussion and resolution of pressing issues of professional responsibility and fosters communication among diverse bar organizations and the various agencies that supervise and regulate the conduct of lawyers and judges. Further, the Center brings together the vast information resources and expertise of its constituent entities and affiliate organizations.

Center members and legal staff have developed prominence in professional consultation and educational programming by participating in a wide range of national, state and local educational initiatives planned by the ABA, government agencies, academic institutions and other entities devoted to the law. The Center is the core entity within the ABA to enhance public confidence in the profession by improving the ethics, competence and professionalism of lawyers and judges and by strengthening the accountability and effectiveness of the profession's regulatory structure.

Landmark Dates in Professional Responsibility

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