Professionalism Statement - Oregon State Bar - Adherence to Professional Conduct Principles

Sep 21, 2026

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Statement of Professionalism adopted by the Oregon State Bar House of Delegates and approved by the Supreme Court of Oregon, effective September 16, 2019. It sets expectations for lawyers as officers of the court to uphold ethical rules promulgated by the Oregon Supreme Court, represent clients with courage, and serve the public good. It lists commitments covering integrity, access to justice, anti-discrimination, respect for courts, public education, independent advice, communication and fee agreements, and avoiding delay or harassment tactics. It also includes readiness for proceedings, merit-based positions, dispute resolution efforts, and support for pro bono activities, followed by signature declaration by applicants.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Professionalism Statement

Adoption and Effective Date

Core Principles

Applicant Declaration and Signature

Statement of Professionalism Adopted by the Oregon State Bar House of Delegates and Approved by the Supreme Court of Oregon effective September 16, 2019 As lawyers, we belong to a profession that serves our clients and the public good. As officers of the court, we aspire to a professional standard of conduct that goes beyond merely complying with the ethical rules. Professionalism is consistent conduct that includes compliance with all ethical rules promulgated by the Oregon Supreme Court, courageous representation of clients, striving for the public good and complying with the following principles in dealing with our clients, opposing parties, opposing counsel, the courts and all others: • I will promote the integrity of the profession and the legal system. • I will work to ensure access to justice for all segments of society. • I will avoid all forms of discrimination. • I will protect and improve the image of the legal profession in the eyes of the public. • I will support a diverse bench and bar. • I will promote respect for the courts. • I will support the education of the public about the legal system. • I will work to achieve my client’s goals, while at the same time maintain my professional ability to give independent legal advice to my client. • I will always advise my clients of the costs and potential benefits or risks of any considered legal position or course of action. • I will communicate fully and openly with my client, and use written fee agreements with my clients. • I will not employ tactics that are intended to delay, harass, or drain the financial resources of any party. • I will always be prepared for any proceeding in which I am representing my client. • I will be courteous and respectful to my clients, to adverse litigants and adverse counsel, and to the court. • I will only pursue positions and litigation that have merit. • I will explore all legitimate methods and opportunities to resolve disputes at every stage in my representation of my client. • I will support pro bono activities. Oregon State Bar • 16037 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd • PO Box 231935 • Tigard, OR 97281-1935 503.620.0222 or toll-free in Oregon 800.452.8260 (Please Sign and Returned this Form to the Board of Bar Examiners With Your Application) OREGON STATE BAR Committee on Professionalism I, (please print name), declare that I am an applicant for membership in the Oregon State Bar and that I have read the Statement of Professionalism provided by the Board of Bar examiners. Furthermore, I declare that while I am engaged in the practice of law as a member of the Oregon State Bar, I will subscribe to the principles set out in the Statement of Professionalism. Signature

FAQs

When does the Oregon State Bar Statement of Professionalism become effective?

It takes effect September 16, 2019, after adoption by the Oregon State Bar House of Delegates and approval by the Supreme Court of Oregon.

What professional conduct principles are included in the statement?

The statement requires integrity and access to justice, avoidance of discrimination, respect for courts, public education about the legal system, independent client advice, clear communication with written fee agreements, and pursuit of meritorious positions.

What does the applicant have to declare and sign?

The applicant declares they have read the Statement of Professionalism and agree to subscribe to its principles while practicing law as a member of the Oregon State Bar, and then provides a signature.

Sep 21, 2026

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