The bar’s Board of Governors has been diligently working to address issues impacting the practice of law in Nevada. For example, we hear from members that lack of civility from their colleagues continues to affect attorney wellbeing. So, this past January, the board’s Civility Taskforce presented a formal Creed of Professionalism and Civility, which the Board adopted.
The 20 points of the creed outline specific standards with the goal of resolving disputes rationally, peacefully, and efficiently. Incivility tends to delay, and often deny, justice. These standards honor the spirit of the Rules of Professional Conduct by balancing a lawyer’s obligation to protect and pursue a client’s legitimate interests zealously, within the bounds of the law, while maintaining a professional, courteous, and civil attitude toward all persons in the legal system.
We’re asking all Nevada attorneys to read and commit to both the spirit and the letter of the standards outlined in the creed. Adjudicators should also reinforce these standards in the courtroom to reinforce our obligation to maintain and foster these standards. Please visit the link above to access the creed – you may want to copy the standards for your own reference.