New York Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026

Part 1200 of Title 22 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations is the Rules of Professional Conduct, governing the ethical duties of every lawyer admitted in New York: the client-lawyer relationship, the lawyer as counselor and as advocate, dealings with people other than clients, law firms and associations, public service, information about legal services, and maintaining the integrity of the profession. The Appellate Division amends Part 1200 by joint order rather than reissuing it, so the text here is the court's consolidated rules brought forward through every order effective to July 1, 2026. The rules are published as the courts adopt them, without the New York State Bar Association's Comments.

Last updated August 30, 2026

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.

Client-Lawyer Relationship

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 and Division of Fees Rule 1.6 Confidentiality of Information Rule 1.7 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients Rule 1.8 Current Clients: Specific Conflict of Interest Rules Rule 1.9 Duties to Former Clients Rule 1.10 Imputation of Conflicts of Interest Rule 1.11 Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees Rule 1.12 Specific Conflicts of Interest for Former Judges, Arbitrators, Mediators or Other Third-Party Neutrals Rule 1.13 Organization As Client Rule 1.14 Client With Diminished Capacity Rule 1.15 Preserving Identity of Funds and Property of Others; Fiduciary Responsibility; Commingling and Misappropriation of Client Funds or Property; Maintenance of Bank Accounts; Record Keeping; Examination of Records Rule 1.16 Declining, Modifying, or Terminating an Engagement Rule 1.17 Sale of Law Practice Rule 1.18 Duties to Prospective Clients

Counselor

Rule 2.1 Advisor Rule 2.2 [Reserved] Rule 2.3 Evaluation for Use by Third Persons Rule 2.4 Lawyer Serving as Third-Party Neutral

Advocate

Rule 3.1 Non-Meritorious Claims and Contentions Rule 3.2 Delay of Litigation Rule 3.3 Conduct Before a Tribunal Rule 3.4 Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel Rule 3.5 Maintaining and Preserving the Impartiality of Tribunals and Jurors Rule 3.6 Trial Publicity Rule 3.7 Lawyer As Witness Rule 3.8 Special Responsibilities of Prosecutors and Other Government Lawyers Rule 3.9 Advocate In Non-Adjudicative Matters

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 Communicating With Unrepresented Persons Rule 4.4 Respect for Rights of Third Persons Rule 4.5 Communication After Incidents Involving Personal Injury or Wrongful Death

Law Firms and Associations

Rule 5.1 Responsibilities of Law Firms, Partners, Managers and Supervisory Lawyers Rule 5.2 Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer Rule 5.3 Lawyer’s Responsibility for Conduct of Nonlawyers 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 Nonlegal Services Rule 5.8 Contractual Relationship Between Lawyers and Nonlegal Professionals

Public Service

Rule 6.1 Voluntary Pro Bono Service Rule 6.2 [Reserved] Rule 6.3 Membership in a Legal Services Organization Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests Rule 6.5 Participation in Limited Pro Bono Legal Service Programs

Information About Legal Services

Rule 7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services Rule 7.2 Payment for Referrals Rule 7.3 Solicitation of Clients Rule 7.4 [Reserved.] Rule 7.5 Professional Notices, Letterheads and Names

Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession

Rule 8.1 Candor in the Bar Admission Process Rule 8.2 Judicial Officers and Candidates Rule 8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct Rule 8.4 Misconduct Rule 8.5 Disciplinary Authority and Choice of Law