Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026
The Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct govern the ethical obligations of lawyers practising in Alabama, covering the client-lawyer relationship, confidentiality and conflicts of interest, the lawyer as counselor and advocate, transactions with persons other than clients, law firms and supervisory duties, public service, information about legal services, and maintaining the integrity of the profession.
Browse all 58 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Preamble
Rule 1.1
Competence.
Rule 1.2
Scope of Representation.
Rule 1.3
Diligence.
Rule 1.4
Communication.
Rule 1.5
Fees.
Rule 1.6
Confidentiality of Information.
Rule 1.7
Conflict of Interest: General Rule.
Rule 1.8
Conflict of Interest: Prohibited Transactions.
Rule 1.9
Conflict of Interest: Former Client.
Rule 1.10
Imputed Disqualification: General Rule.
Rule 1.11
Successive Government and Private Employment.
Rule 1.12
Former Judge or Arbitrator, Mediator, or Other Third-Party Neutral.
Rule 1.13
Organization as Client.
Rule 1.14
Client with Diminished Capacity.
Rule 1.15
Safekeeping Property.
Rule 1.16
Declining or Terminating Representation.
Rule 2.1
Advisor.
Rule 2.2
Intermediary.
Rule 2.3
Evaluation for Use by Third Persons.
Rule 3.1
Meritorious Claims and Contentions.
Rule 3.2
Expediting Litigation.
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 3.10
Threatening Criminal Prosecution.
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 a Partner or Supervisory Lawyer.
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.
Rule 5.6
Restrictions on Right to Practice.
Rule 6.1
Pro Bono Publico Service.
Rule 6.2
Accepting Appointments.
Rule 6.3
Membership in Legal Services Organization.
Rule 6.4
Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests.
Rule 6.5
Nonprofit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs.
Rule 6.6
Special Membership for Pro Bono Services.
Rule 7.1
Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services.
Rule 7.2
Advertising.
Rule 7.3
Direct Contact with Prospective Clients.
Rule 7.4
Communication of Fields of Practice.
Rule 7.5
Firm Names and Letterheads.
Rule 7.6
Professional Cards of Nonlawyers.
Rule 7.7
[Rescinded.]
Rule 8.1
Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters.
Rule 8.2
Judicial and Legal Officials.
Rule 8.3
Reporting Professional Misconduct.
Rule 8.4
Misconduct.
Rule 8.5
Jurisdiction.