Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Since 1908 the Association's Ethics Committee has focused its efforts on the development of model national ethics standards and the drafting of definitive ethics opinions interpreting and applying those standards. In 1984 it undertook an effort to encourage nationwide adoption of a new set of ethics rules, the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which were the result of a seven-year project to update and refine the then prevailing ethical standards. Between 1987 and 1990 the Standing Committee developed a revised Model Code of Judicial Conduct, adopted by the American Bar Association and now being widely studied throughout the country. The Committee also provides consultation to other American Bar Association entities, state and local bars, law school communities, the legal news media and the public on matters of emerging interest in the area of legal and judicial ethics.

The ABA also offers an annotated version of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct as well as a compendium of various Professional Responsibility rules and standards. Information regarding those items are available here:

In addition, the opinions of the Committee regarding the Model Rules are available for purchase. A "headnote" summary of those opinions is available on line.

Committee Roster

Center for Professional Responsibility
American Bar Association
321 North Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60610
Telephone: 312/988-5326
Internet Email: cpr@abanet.org