Virgin Islands Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026

The Virgin Islands Rules of Professional Conduct, established by Supreme Court Rule 211 and effective February 1, 2014, superseding the territory's prior direct adoption of the ABA Model Rules. They are numbered as subdivisions of Rule 211, so the candor rule is Rule 211.3.3 and is cited "V.I.S.Ct.R. 211.3.3". Coverage follows the Model Rules from the client-lawyer relationship through the lawyer as counsellor and advocate, dealings with others, law firms, public service, information about legal services, and the integrity of the profession.

Last updated October 03, 2026

Browse all 65 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 211.1.0 Terminology Rule 211.1.1 Competence Rule 211.1.2 Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and Lawyer Rule 211.1.3 Diligence Rule 211.1.4 Communication Rule 211.1.5 Fees Rule 211.1.6 Confidentiality of Information Rule 211.1.7 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients Rule 211.1.8 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules Rule 211.1.9 Duties to Former Clients Rule 211.1.10 Imputation of Conflicts of Interest: General Rule Rule 211.1.11 Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees Rule 211.1.12 Former Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator or Other Third-Party Neutral Rule 211.1.13 Organization as Client Rule 211.1.14 Client with Diminished Capacity Rule 211.1.15 Safekeeping Property: Generally Rule 211.1.15-1 Client Trust Account Records Rule 211.1.15-2 Client Files Rule 211.1.15-3 Client Trust Account Requirements Rule 211.1.15-4 Use of Trust Accounts Rule 211.1.15-5 Approved Institutions Rule 211.1.15-6 IOLTA Program Administration Rule 211.1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation Rule 211.1.17 Sale of Law Practice Rule 211.1.18 Duties to Prospective Client Rule 211.2.1 Adviser Rule 211.2.2 [Reserved for Future Use] Rule 211.2.3 Evaluation by Use of Third Persons Rule 211.2.4 Lawyer Serving as Third-Party Neutral Rule 211.3.1 Meritorious Claims and Contentions Rule 211.3.2 Expediting Litigation Rule 211.3.3 Candor Toward the Tribunal Rule 211.3.4 Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel Rule 211.3.5 Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal Rule 211.3.6 Trial Publicity Rule 211.3.7 Lawyer as Witness Rule 211.3.8 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor Rule 211.3.9 Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings Rule 211.4.1 Truthfulness in Statements to Others Rule 211.4.2 Communication with Person Represented by Counsel Rule 211.4.3 Dealing with Unrepresented Person Rule 211.4.4 Respect for Rights of Third Persons Rule 211.5.1 Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers Rule 211.5.2 Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer Rule 211.5.3 Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants Rule 211.5.4 Professional Independence of a Lawyer Rule 211.5.5 Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law Rule 211.5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice Rule 211.5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services Rule 211.6.1 Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service Rule 211.6.2 Accepting Appointments Rule 211.6.3 Membership in Legal Services Organization Rule 211.6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests Rule 211.6.5 Nonprofit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs Rule 211.7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services Rule 211.7.2 Advertising Rule 211.7.3 Direct Contact with Prospective Clients Rule 211.7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization Rule 211.7.5 Firm Names and Letterheads Rule 211.7.6 Political Contributions to Obtain Government Legal Engagements or Appointments by Judges Rule 211.8.1 Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters Rule 211.8.2 Judicial and Legal Officials Rule 211.8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct Rule 211.8.4 Misconduct Rule 211.8.5 Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law