Texas Ethics Resources
This page contains a list of ethics resources for Texas attorneys, judges, and legal professionals. If you are a Texas attorney with a specific ethics question that is not answered by the resources below, please call our toll-free Ethics Helpline at (800)532-3947.
Conduct and Procedural Rules
Texas attorneys must abide by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. Texas judges are covered by the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and the Procedural Rules for Removal or Retirement of Judges. Aspirational guidance for lawyers is found in the Texas Lawyer's Creed.
Texas attorneys must abide by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. Texas judges are covered by the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and the Procedural Rules for Removal or Retirement of Judges. Aspirational guidance for lawyers is found in the Texas Lawyer's Creed.
The American Bar Association
Texas Center for Legal Ethics
A leading source of ethics and professionalism resources including
courses, speakers, symposia, and CLE seminars. Learn more
University of Houston Law Center
The Texas Ethics Reporter includes a wealth of information regarding
lawyer and judicial ethics in Texas. Learn more
Texas Grievance System
About the Grievance Process
Reporting unethical behavior of Texas attorneys helps reduce and prevent
harm to the public and the legal profession. Learn
more
The Board of Disciplinary Appeals
A statewide independent adjudicatory body of 12 attorneys appointed by
the Supreme Court of Texas to hear appeals of certain attorney
disciplinary cases. It promote consistency in interpretation and
application of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and
the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. Learn more
Solicitation and Barratry FAQs
Frequently asked questions concerning the interplay between the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, case law, and criminal and civil statutes. Learn more
Committees
Texas Supreme Court Committees
Three committees appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas cover
ethics-related issues.
State Ethics Commissions
Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program (TLAP)
The Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program (TLAP) offers confidential help for lawyers, law students, and judges with substance use or other mental health issues. Learn more
Law Practice Management Program
The Law Practice Management Program offers a number of free resources for attorneys who need advice on starting and maintaining a practice. Learn more
Publications
Texas
Lawyers' Professional Ethics
Familiarize yourself with legal ethics applicable to law practice in
Texas. This book will help any lawyer faced with ethical considerations
in the day-to-day practice of law. Learn
more
Texas Lawyer's Creed
The goal of the Texas Lawyer’s Creed, promulgated in November 1989, was to eliminate abusive tactics within the practice of law in Texas and promote respect and confidence in the legal profession. In 2013, then State Bar of Texas President Buck Files worked with both the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to reaffirm the Creed and what it stands for.
To celebrate the reaffirmation, the State Bar of Texas created a poster-sized (24 x 36) version of the Texas Lawyers’ Creed. Perfect for display in your law office or chambers, email professionalism@texasbar.com or call 512-427-1726 to receive your free copy or to request copies of the Texas Lawyer’s Creed brochure.
