Washington State Bar Association

Creed of Professionalism

As a proud member of the legal profession practicing in the state of Washington, I endorse the following principles of civil professional conduct, intended to inspire and guide lawyers in the practice of law:

• In my dealings with lawyers, parties, witnesses, members of the bench, and court staff, I will be civil and courteous and guided by fundamental tenets of integrity and fairness.
• My word is my bond in my dealings with the court, with fellow counsel and with others.
• • I will endeavor to resolve differences through cooperation and negotiation, giving due consideration to alternative dispute resolution.
• • I will honor appointments, commitments and case schedules, and be timely in all my communications.
• • I will design the timing, manner of service, and scheduling of hearings only for proper purposes, and never for the objective of oppressing or inconveniencing my opponent.
• • I will conduct myself professionally during depositions, negotiations and any other interaction with opposing counsel as if I were in the presence of a judge.
• • I will be forthright and honest in my dealings with the court, opposing counsel and others.
• • I will be respectful of the court, the legal profession and the litigation process in my attire and in my demeanor.
• • As an officer of the court, as an advocate and as a lawyer, I will uphold the honor and dignity of the court and of the profession of law. I will strive always to instill and encourage a respectful attitude toward the courts, the litigation process and the legal profession.

Creed of Professionalism This creed is a statement of professional aspiration adopted by the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors on July 27, 2001, and does not supplant or modify the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct.