Hawaiʻi Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026
The Hawaiʻi Rules of Professional Conduct, numbered on the ABA Model Rules. Coverage runs from the client-lawyer relationship (competence, fees, confidentiality, conflicts), through the lawyer as counselor and advocate, transactions with persons other than clients, law firms and public service, to maintaining the integrity of the profession. Each rule carries the court's comment.
Browse all 59 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
A Lawyer's Responsibilities
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
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
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 Under a Disability
Rule 1.15
Preserving Identity of Funds and Property of a Client or Third Person
Rule 1.16
Declining or Terminating Representation
Rule 1.17
Sale of Law Practice
Rule 1.18
Duties to Prospective Clients
Rule 2.1
Advisor.
Rule 2.2
Intermediary
Rule 2.3
Evaluation for Use by Third Persons
Rule 2.4
Lawyer Serving as Third-party Neutral
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
Performing the Duty of Public Prosecutor or Other Government Lawyer
Rule 3.9
Advocate in Non-adjudicative 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
Rule 5.6
Restrictions on Right to Practice
Rule 6.1
Pro Bono 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 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 and Certification
Rule 7.5
Firm Names and Letterheads
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
Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law