Local Rule 11-4: Standards of Professional Conduct

11-4. Standards of Professional Conduct

(a) Duties and Responsibilities. Every member of the bar of this Court and any attorney permitted to practice in this Court under Civil L.R. 11 must: (1) Be familiar and comply with the standards of professional conduct required of members of the State Bar of California; (2) Comply with the Local Rules of this Court; (3) Maintain respect due to courts of justice and judicial officers; (4) Practice with the honesty, care, and decorum required for the fair and efficient administration of justice; (5) Discharge all obligations to client(s) and the Court; and (6) Assist those in need of counsel when requested by the Court.

Commentary The California Standards of Professional Conduct are contained in the State Bar Act, the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California, and decisions of any court applicable thereto.

(b) Prohibition Against Bias. The practice of law before this Court must be free from prejudice and bias. Treatment free of bias must be accorded all other attorneys, litigants, judicial officers, jurors, and support personnel. Any violation of this policy should be brought to the attention of the Clerk or any Judge for action under Civ. L.R. 11-6.

(c) Prohibition against Ex Parte Communication. Except as otherwise provided by law or these Local Rules or otherwise ordered by the Court, an attorney or party to an action must refrain from contacting the assigned Judge or the Judge's law clerks or otherwise communicating with a Judge or the Judge's staff regarding a pending matter, without prior notice to opposing counsel.

Commentary This rule is not intended to prohibit communications with Court staff regarding scheduling or general case management.