Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026

Rule 8 of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court is the Rules of Professional Conduct, governing the ethical duties of lawyers practicing in Tennessee: the client-lawyer relationship, the lawyer as counselor and as advocate, dealings with people other than clients, law firm responsibilities, public service, information about legal services, and maintaining the integrity of the profession. Each rule is published with its official Comment and its definitional cross-references.

Last updated August 30, 2026

Browse all 55 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 and Scope Preamble and Scope

Chapter 1: The 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 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 or Arbitrator Rule 1.13 Organizational Clients Rule 1.14 Client with Diminished Capacity Rule 1.15 Safekeeping Property and Funds Rule 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation Rule 1.17 Sale of Law Practice Rule 1.18 Duties to Prospective Client

Chapter 2: The Lawyer as Counselor, Intermediary, and Dispute Resolution Neutral

Rule 2.1 Advisor Rule 2.2 Lawyer Serving as an Intermediary Between Clients Rule 2.3 Evaluation for Use by Third Persons Rule 2.4 Lawyer as a Dispute Resolution Neutral

Chapter 3: 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

Chapter 4: Transactions with Persons Other Than Clients

Rule 4.1 Truthfulness in Statements to Others Rule 4.2 Communication with a Person Represented by Counsel Rule 4.3 Dealing with an Unrepresented Person Rule 4.4 Respect for the Rights of Third Persons

Chapter 5: Law Firms, Legal Departments, and Legal Service Organizations

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; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law Rule 5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice Rule 5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law-related Services

Chapter 6: Public Service

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 Programs

Chapter 7: Information About Legal Services

Rule 7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services 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