Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026

The Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct govern the professional obligations of every lawyer licensed in Idaho: competence and diligence, confidentiality of information, conflicts of interest, safekeeping property and client files, the duties of a lawyer as advocate and as counselor, responsibilities within a firm, advertising, and the reporting of professional misconduct. Adopted by the Idaho Supreme Court and based on the ABA Model Rules, each rule is followed by the official Commentary explaining it.

Last updated August 31, 2026

Browse all 61 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.

Rule Preamble A Lawyer's Responsibilities Rule Scope Scope Rule 1.0 Terminology

Client Lawyer Relationship

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: 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 Property Rule 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation Rule 1.16A Client Files Rule 1.17 Sale of Law Practice Rule 1.18 Duties to Prospective Client

Counselor

Rule 2.1 Advisor Rule 2.2 Lawyer Serving as Third-party Neutral Rule 2.3 Evaluation for Use by Third Persons

Advocate

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

Transactions with Persons Other Than Clients

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

Law Firms and Associations

Rule 5.1 Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers Rule 5.2 Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer Rule 5.3 Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistance Rule 5.4 Professional Independence of a Lawyer Rule 5.5 Unauthorized Practice of Law Rule 5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice Rule 5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law- Related Services

Public Service

Rule 6.1 Voluntary 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

Information About Legal Services

Rule 7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services Rule 7.2 Advertising Rule 7.3 Solicitation of Clients Rule 7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization Rule 7.5 Firm Names and Letterhead Rule 7.6 Political Contributions to Obtain Government Legal Engagements or Appointments by Judges

Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession

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