Rule 2-5A. Good Moral Character and Fitness To Practice Law

(a) Good moral character shall be construed to include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) The qualities of honesty, fairness, candor and trustworthiness;

(2) Observance of fiduciary responsibility;

(3) Respect for and obedience to the law; and

(4) Respect for the legal rights of others and the judicial process, as evidenced by conduct other than merely initiating or pursuing litigation.

(b) Fitness to practice law shall be construed to include the following:

(1) The cognitive capacity to undertake fundamental lawyering skills such as problem solving, legal analysis and reasoning, legal research, factual investigation, organization and management of legal work, making appropriate reasoned legal judgments, and recognizing and solving ethical dilemmas;

(2) The ability to communicate legal judgments and legal information to clients, other attorneys, judicial and regulatory authorities, with or without the use of aids or devices; and

(3) The capability to perform legal tasks in a timely manner.

Committee Notes

(Amended June 20, 2011, to take effect Sept. 1, 2011.) (Adopted June 21, 2010, to take effect Jan. 1, 2011; amended June 20, 2011, to take effect Sept. 1, 2011.)