The revised rules, effective July 1, 2016, for Maryland Attorneys' Rules of Professional Conduct and Attorney Trust Accounts are found under Maryland Rules. In order to be licensed to practice law in Maryland, an applicant must pass an examination.Competent and Diligent Representation. 10. Maryland Attorneys' Rules of Professional Conduct. In 1983, the American Bar Association (ABA) adopted Model Rule of Professional Conduct. A complete guide to Maryland attorney referral fee rule - learn how to ethically split fees between attorneys. Comparisons are currently available for states that have completed a review of their rules in response to recent changes in the Model Rules. Maryland Attorneys' Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 8.4, cmt. However, private state bar associations regulate the right to practice law in a few states. Maryland Lawyer's Rules of Professional Conduct.