Montana Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026
Model Rules-based, adopted in 2019 and effective January 1, 2020, cited in Montana usage as "MRPC 3.3". Published here with the Preamble, which Montana rewrote: its first line — "A lawyer shall always pursue the truth" — is a mandatory formulation that has no counterpart in the ABA model text. Enforcement runs through the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the Commission on Practice to the Supreme Court.
Browse all 60 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
Rule 1.0
Terminology
Rule 1.1
Competence
Rule 1.2
Scope of Representation and Allocation Of
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
Rule 1.12
Former Judge, Arbitrator, Settlement Master,
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 1.17
Government Employment
Rule 1.18
Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Program
Rule 1.19
Sale of Law Practice
Rule 1.20
Duties to Prospective Clients
Rule 2.1
Advisor
Rule 2.2
Evaluation for Use by Third Persons
Rule 2.3
Lawyers 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
Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
Rule 3.9
Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings
Rule 4.1
Truthfulness in Statement 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
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 5.7
Responsibilities Regarding Law-related Services
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
Rule 7.1
Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services
Rule 7.2
Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services:
Rule 7.3
Direct Contact with Prospective Clients
Rule 7.4
(eliminated)
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
Jurisdiction and Certification