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Rhode Island Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct

[This edition compiled by the LII editors reflects all amendments reported at the Rhode Island State Bar Association Web site through April 15, 2007.]

Preamble, Scope and Terminology

PART 1. CLIENT-LAWYER RELATIONSHIP

  • Rule 1.1: Competence
  • Rule 1.2: Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority
  • Rule 1.3: Diligence
  • Rule 1.4: Communication
  • Rule 1.5: Fees
  • Rule 1.6: Confidentiality of Information
  • Rule 1.7: Conflict of Interest: Current Clients
  • Rule 1.8: Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules
  • Rule 1.9: Duties to Former Clients
  • Rule 1.10: Imputation of Conflicts of Interest: General Rule
  • Rule 1.11: Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees
  • Rule 1.12: Former Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator or Other Third-Party Neutral
  • Rule 1.13: Organization as Client
  • Rule 1.14: Client With Diminished Capacity
  • Rule 1.15: Safekeeping Property
  • Rule 1.16: Declining or Terminating Representation
  • Rule 1.17: Sale of Practice
  • Rule 1.18: Duties to Prospective Client
  • Rule 1.19: Required Bookkeeping Records

PART 2. COUNSELOR

PART 3. ADVOCATE

  • Rule 3.1: Meritorious Claims and Contentions
  • Rule 3.2: Expediting Litigation
  • Rule 3.3: Candor Toward the Tribunal
  • Rule 3.4: Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel
  • Rule 3.5: Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
  • Rule 3.6: Trial Publicity
  • Rule 3.7: Lawyer as Witness
  • Rule 3.8: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
  • Rule 3.9: Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings

PART 4. TRANSACTIONS WITH PERSONS OTHER THAN CLIENTS

  • Rule 4.1: Truthfulness in Statements to Others
  • Rule 4.2: Communication with Person Represented by Counsel
  • Rule 4.3: Dealing with Unrepresented Person
  • Rule 4.4: Respect for Rights of Third Persons

PART 5. LAW FIRMS AND ASSOCIATIONS

  • Rule 5.1: Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers
  • Rule 5.2: Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer
  • Rule 5.3: Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
  • Provisional Order No.18 - Use of Legal Assistants
  • Rule 5.4: Professional Independence of a Lawyer
  • Rule 5.5: Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law
  • Rule 5.6: Restrictions on Right to Practice
  • Rule 5.7: Responsbilities Regarding Law-Related Services

PART 6. PUBLIC SERVICE

  • Rule 6.1: Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service
  • Rule 6.2: Accepting Appointments
  • Rule 6.3: Membership in Legal Services Organization
  • Rule 6.4: Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests
  • Rule 6.5: Nonprofit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs

PART 7. INFORMATION ABOUT LEGAL SERVICES

  • Rule 7.1: Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services
  • Rule 7.2: Advertising
  • Rule 7.3: Direct Contact with Prospective Clients
  • Rule 7.4: Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization
  • Rule 7.5: Firm Names and Letterheads

PART 8. MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY OF THE PROFESSION

  • Rule 8.1: Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters
  • Rule 8.2: Judicial and Legal Officials
  • Rule 8.3: Reporting Professional Misconduct
  • Rule 8.4: Misconduct
  • Rule 8.5: Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law

PART 9. ETHICS ADVISORY PANEL