This article focuses on several familiar topics of legal ethics and how they apply to the inhouse lawyer. A lawyer shall, without undue delay, inform the State Bar, or a tribunal with jurisdiction to investigate or act upon such misconduct.This unofficial compilation of the Rules provided for informational purposes only. This Code of Professionalism is adopted to apply to all lawyers who practice in Santa Clara County. As lawyers, we owe duties of professionalism to our clients. New York Rules of Conduct with Comments (PDF) — Effective April 1, 2009, as amended through June 10, 2022, with commentary as amended though August 2, 2022. The purpose of the disciplinary system is to not be punitive but to inquire into the fitness of the attorney to continue that capacity. Proposed resolution of the question of professional duty would result in a violation of these rules or the State Bar. They should be interpreted with reference to the purposes of legal representation and of the law itself. The Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility makes available advisory opinions on the ethical considerations of the practice of law.