Professional Responsibility
/ˌprɒfəˈʃənəl rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪləti/
Definitions
- (n.) The ethical obligations and duties imposed on members of a profession, especially lawyers, to act with integrity, competence, and loyalty toward clients, the courts, and the public.
A lawyer must uphold professional responsibility to maintain client confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest.
- (n.) The body of rules, standards, and codes governing the conduct of professionals, particularly regulating their behavior and decision-making within their field.
Violations of professional responsibility can lead to disciplinary action by the bar association.
Related terms
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Commentary
Often used interchangeably with legal ethics, professional responsibility emphasizes the practical and regulatory aspects of the ethical duties professionals owe in legal practice.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.