The rule against contacting a represented party seems straightforward, but it presents various nuances and ethical risks. When Must You End the Relationship?This article focuses on several familiar topics of legal ethics and how they apply to the inhouse lawyer. As members of the State Bar and officers of the court, attorneys are required to be honest at all times, even when off-duty and not acting as a lawyer. 14 a person in the unauthorized practice of law, as follows: 15 3. His acts did not involve minor, technical deviations from the Rules of Professional Conduct. The ethical rules that govern lawyers in the State of California are the California Rules of Professional Conduct (the "Rules"). State Bar of California.