Supreme Court of Ohio

Task Force on Rules of Professional Conduct

"Mark-up" Versions

The following versions of the proposed Rules of Professional Conduct reflect revisions approved by the Supreme Court to the October 2005 version of the proposed rules. Additions to the proposed rules are shown as thus; deletions are shown as thus. Except for Latin terms and case names, words and phrases that appear in italicized type in each rule denote terms that are defined in Rule 1.0.

  Preamble and Scope
Rule 1.0 Terminology
Rule 1.1 Competence
Rule 1.2 Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and Lawyer
Rule 1.3 Diligence
Rule 1.4 Communication
Rule 1.5 Fees and Expenses
Rule 1.6 Confidentiality of Information
Rule 1.7 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients
Rule 1.8 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules
Rule 1.9 Duties to Former Clients
Rule 1.10 Imputation of Conflicts of Interest: General Rule
Rule 1.11 Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees
Rule 1.12 Former Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator or Other Third-Party Neutral
Rule 1.13 Organization as Client
Rule 1.14 Client with Diminished Capacity
Rule 1.15 Safekeeping Funds and Property
Rule 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation
Rule 1.17 Sale of Law Practice
Rule 1.18 Duties to Prospective Client
Rule 2.1 Advisor
Rule 2.3 Evaluation for Use by Third Persons
Rule 2.4 Lawyer Serving as Arbitrator, Mediator or Third-Party Neutral
Rule 3.1 Meritorious Claims and Contentions
Rule 3.2 Expediting Litigation [Not Adopted; See Note]
Rule 3.3 Candor Toward the Tribunal
Rule 3.4 Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel
Rule 3.5 Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
Rule 3.6 Trial Publicity
Rule 3.7 Lawyer as Witness
Rule 3.8 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
Rule 3.9 Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings
Rule 4.1 Truthfulness in Statements to Others
Rule 4.2 Communication with Person Represented by Counsel
Rule 4.3 Dealing with Unrepresented Person
Rule 4.4 Respect for Rights of Third Persons
Rule 5.1 Responsibilities of Partners, Managers and Supervisory Lawyers
Rule 5.2 Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer
Rule 5.3 Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
Rule 5.4 Professional Independence of a Lawyer
Rule 5.5 Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisditional Practice of Law
Rule 5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice
Rule 5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services
Rule 6.1 Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service [Action Deferred; See Note]
Rule 6.2 Accepting Appointments
Rule 6.3 Membership in Legal Services Organization [Not Adopted; See Note]
Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests [Not Adopted; See Note]
Rule 6.5 Nonprofit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs
Rule 7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services
Rule 7.2 Advertising and Recommendation of Professional Employment
Rule 7.3 Direct Contact with Prospective Clients
Rule 7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization
Rule 7.5 Firm Names and Letterheads
Rule 7.6 Political Contributions to Obtain Government Legal Engagements or Appointment by Judges [Not Adopted; See Note]
Rule 8.1 Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters
Rule 8.2 Judicial Officials
Rule 8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct
Rule 8.4 Misconduct
Rule 8.5 Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law