West Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026
The West Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, numbered on the ABA Model Rules. Coverage runs from the Preamble, Scope and terminology, through the client-lawyer relationship (competence, fees, confidentiality, conflicts), the lawyer as counselor and advocate, transactions with persons other than clients, law firms, public service and information about legal services, to maintaining the integrity of the profession. Each rule carries the court's official comment.
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.
Client-lawyer Relationship
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, 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 1.17
Sale of Law Practice
Rule 1.18
Duties to Prospective Client
Counselor
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 in the Tribunal
Rule 3.6
Trial Publicity
Rule 3.7
Lawyers as Witness
Rule 3.8
Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
Rule 3.9
Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings
Transactions with Persons Other Than Clients
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; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law
Rule 5.6
Restrictions on Right to Practice
Rule 5.7
Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services
Rule 5.8
Limited Liability Legal Practice