In this introductory program, Zach McGee discusses the California Attorney Guidelines of Civility and Professionalism, which reflect how the California State Bar thinks that lawyers should practice law. But the Guidelines are voluntary, do not create standards of conduct or care, do not supplant any rules or laws that govern attorney conduct and cannot be an independent basis for imposition of discipline or a finding of malpractice. 

In light of these limitations, how should attorneys think about the Guidelines and should we commit to following them? 

Rules covered include:  ABA Model Rules 1.4, 4.1 & 8.4; California Bus. and Prof. Code § 6068 (d); and California Attorney Guidelines of Civility and Professionalism (2007).