
ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
»About the Model Rules
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The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct were adopted by the ABA House of Delegates in 1983. They serve as models for the ethics rules of most states. Before the adoption of the Model Rules, the ABA `model was the 1969 Model Code of Professional Responsibility. Preceding the Model Code were the 1908 Canons of Professional Ethics (last amended in 1963).
Also available for purchase- Annotated Model Rules of Professional Conduct
Discounts are available for books ordered in bulk. Special consideration is given to state bars, CLE programs and other bar-related organizations. Contact Denise Eichhorn, ABA Publications Planning and Marketing, for more information.
Implementation of Model Rules Changes
A Legislative History
This Legislative History traces the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Model Rules) from the appointment of the ABA Commission on Evaluation of Professional Standards ("Kutak Commission") in 1977 through the year 2005. It includes the first presentation of the Model Rules format to the American Bar Association House of Delegates, the adoption of the Model Rules, and the many amendments to the Model Rules that have been adopted or proposed through August 2005.
State Adoption of Model Rules
To date, California is the only states that do not have professional conduct rules that follow the format of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct.
Restatement Comparison
Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam
See the National Conference of Bar Examiners Web site.
Most Recent Changes to the Model Ruless
August 2009
- Background and Resources
- Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Changes to Rule 1.10
February 2009
- Background and Resources
- Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Changes to Rules 1.0 and 1.10
February 2008
- Criminal Justice Section
Changes to Rule 3.8
February 2007
- Standing Committee on Client Protection
Change to Rule 5.5 Comment
August 2003
- Task Force on Corporate Responsibility
- Changes to Rules 1.6 and 1.13, scroll down for Reports 119A and B
August 2002
- Commission on Multijurisdictional Practice
Changes to Rules 5.5 and 8.5
- Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Changes to Rules 7.2 and 7.5
February 2002
- Ethics 2000 Commission
Ethics 2000 conducted a review of the entire Model Rules.

