Ethics — Modules by Topic

Ethics — Modules by Topic

Read the official rule page (with comments), then practice in your GPT. Your checkmarks save in this browser.

Client–LPP Relationship & Terminology (Rules 1.0–1.18)

Open the official rule page, read the Comments, then mark done.

Rule 1.0 — Terminology

Key defined terms used across the ethics rules.

Rule 1.1 — Competence

Knowledge, preparation, thoroughness.

Rule 1.2 — Scope of Representation

Allocation of authority; LPP notice; informed consent.

Rule 1.3 — Diligence

Commitment, dedication, and timeliness.

Rule 1.4 — Communication

Timely updates; informed decisions.

Rule 1.5 — Fees

Reasonableness; disclosures; disputes.

Rule 1.6 — Confidentiality of Information

Protect client information; informed consent.

Rule 1.7 — Conflict of Interest (Current Clients)

Conflicts, informed consent, written disclosure.

Rule 1.8 — Conflicts: Specific Rules

Business dealings; gifts; information use.

Rule 1.9 — Duties to Former Clients

Substantially related matters; loyalty.

Rule 1.10 — Imputation of Conflicts

Firm conflicts and screening.

Rule 1.11 — Special Conflicts (Gov’t)

Former/current government employees.

Rule 1.12 — Former Judge/Arbitrator/Mediator

Third-party neutrals & conflicts.

Rule 1.13 — Organization as Client

Duties within organizations.

Rule 1.14 — Client with Diminished Capacity

Protect client interests with least intrusion.

Rule 1.15 — Safekeeping Property

Trust/IOLPPTA; records; delivery.

Rule 1.16 — Declining/Terminating Representation

Sale conditions, withdrawal, client interests.

Rule 1.17 — Sale of Law Practice

Client notice; continuity of representation.

Rule 1.18 — Duties to Prospective Client

Limits on using or revealing prospective-client info.

Counselor (Rules 2.1, 2.3, 2.4)

Advisor, evaluations for third persons, and serving as third-party neutral.

Rule 2.1 — Advisor

Candid advice; moral, economic, social factors.

Rule 2.3 — Evaluation for Use by Third Persons

Informed consent; duty to third parties when invited.

Rule 2.4 — Lawyer Serving as Third-Party Neutral

Mediator/neutral disclosures & scope.

Advocate (Rules 3.1–3.9)

Meritorious claims, candor, fairness, tribunal decorum, publicity, witness issues, prosecutor duties, non-adjudicative proceedings.

Rule 3.1 — Meritorious Claims & Contentions

Non-frivolous basis in law and fact.

Rule 3.2 — Expediting Litigation

Reasonable efforts to move matters forward.

Rule 3.3 — Candor Toward the Tribunal

No false statements; correct the record; disclose legal authority.

Rule 3.4 — Fairness to Opposing Party & Counsel

Evidence, discovery, and trial fairness duties.

Rule 3.5 — Impartiality & Decorum of the Tribunal

No improper influence; proper conduct toward tribunal.

Rule 3.6 — Trial Publicity

Public statements that could prejudice a proceeding.

Rule 3.7 — Lawyer as Witness

Limits on acting as advocate at a trial where the lawyer is a witness.

Rule 3.8 — Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor

Disclosure, probable cause, and other prosecutor-specific duties.

Rule 3.9 — Advocate in Non-Adjudicative Proceedings

Duties when appearing before legislative or administrative bodies.

Transactions with Persons Other Than Clients (Rules 4.1–4.4)

Truthfulness to others; dealing with represented or unrepresented persons; respect for third-party rights.

Rule 4.1 — Truthfulness in Statements to Others

No material false statements or omissions.

Rule 4.2 — Communication with Persons Represented by Counsel

No direct contact without consent or legal authorization.

Rule 4.3 — Dealing with Unrepresented Person

No implication of disinterest; clarify role; no legal advice (other than obtain counsel).

Rule 4.4 — Respect for Rights of Third Persons

No means that burden third persons; handling inadvertently sent documents.

Firms & Associations (Rules 5.1–5.7)

Supervision of lawyers and non-lawyers, independence, UPL, restrictions, and law-related services.

Rule 5.1 — Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers

Reasonable measures to assure compliance.

Rule 5.2 — Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer

Obligations when acting under direction of another.

Rule 5.3 — Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants

Supervision and appropriate conduct.

Rule 5.4 — Professional Independence of a Lawyer

Fee sharing, partnerships, and independence.

Rule 5.5 — Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice

UPL and cross-border practice limitations.

Rule 5.6 — Restrictions on Right to Practice

Agreements that limit practice; exceptions.

Rule 5.7 — Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services

When non-legal services are provided by or in association with a lawyer/LPP.

Public Service (Rules 6.1–6.5)

Pro bono, appointments, legal services organizations, law reform, and short-term limited legal services.

Rule 6.1 — Voluntary Pro Bono Legal Service

Professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay.

Rule 6.2 — Accepting Appointments

Declining for good cause; no avoidance without cause.

Rule 6.3 — Membership in Legal Services Organization

Participation consistent with rules of professional conduct.

Rule 6.4 — Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests

Participation with disclosure as required.

Rule 6.5 — Short-Term Limited Legal Services

Clinic/helpline conflicts and screening rules.

Information About Legal Services (Rule 7.1)

Communications concerning a lawyer’s/LPP’s services.

Rule 7.1 — Communications Concerning Services

No false or misleading communications.

Information About Legal Services (Rule 7.1)

Communications concerning a lawyer’s/LPP’s services.

Rule 7.1 — Communications Concerning Services

No false or misleading communications.

Information About Legal Services (Rule 7.1)

Communications concerning a lawyer’s/LPP’s services.

Rule 7.1 — Communications Concerning Services

No false or misleading communications.

Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession (Rules 8.1–8.5)

Admissions, judicial officials, reporting misconduct, professional misconduct, disciplinary authority & choice of law.

Rule 8.1 — Bar Admission & Disciplinary Matters

Truthfulness and cooperation in admissions & discipline.

Rule 8.2 — Judicial Officials

Statements regarding judges or candidates.

Rule 8.3 — Reporting Professional Misconduct

Duty to report substantial violations.

Rule 8.4 — Misconduct

Conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, etc.

Rule 8.5 — Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law

Jurisdiction and applicable law for discipline.

Authorization to Practice + Professionalism & Civility

Scope of practice for LPPs; civility standards and counseling.

Rule 14-802 — Authorization to Practice Law

Defines who may practice law in Utah and exceptions.

Preamble — A Lawyer’s Responsibilities (Ch. 13 Preamble)

Foundational duties and ideals of the profession.

Rule 14-301 — Standards of Professionalism & Civility

Core expectations for courteous, professional conduct.

Rule 14-302 — Definitions

Key terms in the professionalism & civility framework.

Rule 14-303 — Professionalism & Civility Counseling

Process for addressing incivility issues.

Rule 15-301 — LPP Professionalism & Civility Standards

Parallel standards tailored to Licensed Paralegal Practitioners.

Resolution of Fee Disputes (Rules 14-1101 – 14-1120)

Arbitration/mediation of fee disputes: petitions, panels, hearings, awards, confidentiality.

Rule 14-1101 — Definitions

Key terms for fee dispute process.

Rule 14-1102 — Purpose & Committee

Structure and mission of the program.

Rule 14-1103 — Exclusions

Matters not covered by the rule.

Rule 14-1104 — Petition; Agreement; Discovery; Extensions

Initiating the process; initial procedures.

Rule 14-1105 — Selecting the Arbitration Panel; Additional Claims

Panel composition and scope.

Rule 14-1106 — Conduct of Hearing; Evidence; Counsel; Record

Hearing procedures and rights.

Rule 14-1107 — Award; Service; Judicial Confirmation

Form, service, and court confirmation of award.

Rule 14-1108 — Relief; Confidentiality; Enforceability; Malpractice

Scope of relief; relation to malpractice claims.

Rule 14-1109 — Ex Parte with Panel Members

Communication limitations.

Rule 14-1110 — Necessary Parties

Who must be included in the proceeding.

Rule 14-1111 — Exemption from Testimony & Confidentiality

Protections for participants and records.

Rule 14-1112 — Request to Mediate; Answer

Moving a dispute to mediation.

Rule 14-1113 — Selection of Mediator

Process and criteria.

Rule 14-1114 — Matters Entitled to Mediation

Scope of mediable issues.

Rule 14-1115 — Mediation is Voluntary

Participation and consent.

Rule 14-1116 — Conduct of the Mediation

Mediation procedures.

Rule 14-1117 — Confidentiality

Confidential nature of mediation.

Rule 14-1118 — Ex Parte with Mediator

Limits on communication with mediator.

Rule 14-1119 — Exemption from Testimony

Mediator testimony protections.

Rule 14-1120 — Mediation Agreement

Requirements and enforcement.

Licensing (Rules 15-701 – 15-720) + IOLPPTA

Qualifications, applications, exams, C&F, fees, admission, confidentiality — and client trust accounts for LPPs.

Rule 15-701 — Definitions

Terms used throughout LPP licensing rules.

Rule 15-702 — Board: General Powers

Authority over admissions & licensing.

Rule 15-703 — Qualifications for Licensure

Baseline requirements to be licensed as an LPP.

Rule 15-706 — Test Accommodations

Disability accommodations for exams.

Rule 15-707 — Applications; Deadlines; Fees

Filing, withdrawals, postponements, and related fees.

Rule 15-708 — Character & Fitness

C&F standards and investigations.

Rule 15-709 — Application Denial

Grounds and procedures for denial.

Rule 15-710 — Exam Administration

Administration of LPP examinations.

Rule 15-711 — Grading & Passing

Passing standards and reporting.

Rule 15-713 — Ethics Exam

Ethics exam requirements for LPPs.

Rule 15-715 — Requests for Review

Review of exam results/decisions.

Rule 15-716 — License & Enrollment Fees; Oath; Admission

Final steps to licensing.

Rule 15-717 — Relicensure after Resignation/Delicensure

Pathways back to licensure.

Rule 15-720 — Confidentiality

Confidentiality of admissions records.

Rule 15-1001 — IOLPPTA

Interest on Lawyer/Paralegal Practitioner Trust Accounts.

Mandatory CLE (Rules 11-601 – 11-619)

Purpose, definitions, credit types, accreditation, compliance, exemptions, remote CLE, and pro bono credit.

Rule 11-601 — Purpose

Foundation of Utah’s MCLE system.

Rule 11-602 — Definitions

MCLE terminology.

Rule 11-603 — Board: Establishment & Membership

Governing body for MCLE.

Rule 11-604 — Active Status; NLTP; Reciprocity; House Counsel; UBE; LPP MCLE

Requirements for various categories, including LPPs.

Rule 11-605 — Inactive Status MCLE

Lawyers/LPPs on inactive status.

Rule 11-606 — Active Military Duty & Military Spouses

MCLE treatment for military-related status.

Rule 11-607 — Active Emeritus Status

MCLE for emeritus practitioners.

Rule 11-608 — Credit Hour Defined; Approval

What counts and how it’s approved.

Rule 11-609 — Categories of Elective CLE

Approved elective categories.

Rule 11-610 — Accreditation; Hardship; Special Accreditation

Accrediting programs and exceptions.

Rule 11-611 — Board Accreditation of CLE

Board’s accreditation authority.

Rule 11-612 — Presumptively Approved Providers

Providers with presumptive accreditation.

Rule 11-613 — Credit for AV, Webcasts, Writing, Teaching, Public Service

Alternative credit sources and verification.

Rule 11-614 — Certificate of Compliance; Fees; Suspension; Reinstatement

Reporting and consequences.

Rule 11-615 — Failure to Satisfy; Appeals; Waivers; Deferrals

Remedies and relief.

Rule 11-616 — Active, Not Practicing; Certificate of Exemption

Exemption for those not practicing.

Rule 11-617 — Miscellaneous Fees & Expenses

Administrative costs.

Rule 11-618 — Remote Group CLE

Standards for remote group programs.

Rule 11-619 — CLE Credit for Pro Bono Legal Services

Credit for qualifying pro bono service.

Lawyer Discipline, Disability, Sanctions & Reinstatement

From oversight & screening to OPC powers, prosecution, diversion, discipline, sanctions, and reinstatement.

Rule 11-501 — Purpose, Authority, Scope, Structure

Framework for disciplinary & disability proceedings.

Rule 11-502 — Definitions

Key terms for the disciplinary system.

Rule 11-503 — Oversight Committee for OPC

Oversight authority and responsibilities.

Rule 11-504 — Jurisdiction

Who is subject to discipline in Utah.

Rule 11-505 — Statute of Limitations

Time limits for disciplinary actions.

Rule 11-510 — Ethics & Discipline Committee Composition

Committee makeup and roles.

Rule 11-511 — Screening Panels: Composition & Responsibilities

Gatekeeping function in discipline.

Rule 11-512 — Respondent Subpoena Petitions

Seeking subpoenas from the Committee.

Rule 11-513 — Committee Clerk

Administrative support for the Committee.

Rule 11-514 — Disclosure, Recusal, Disqualification

When members must step aside.

Rule 11-520 — Chief Disciplinary Counsel & OPC Counsel

Roles and authority of OPC leadership.

Rule 11-521 — OPC Prosecutorial Powers & Duties

Investigation and prosecution authorities.

Rule 11-522 — Ethics Advisory Opinions

Issuance and use of advisory opinions.

Rule 11-523 — OPC Investigative Subpoenas

Authority to compel evidence during investigation.

Rule 11-524 — Retaining Records

Retention of investigative and disciplinary files.

Rule 11-530 — Unprofessional Conduct Complaints

Filing and content of complaints.

Rule 11-531 — Proceedings Before Committee & Screening Panels

How matters proceed through screening.

Rule 11-532 — Exceptions to Screening Panel Determinations

Challenging screening decisions.

Rule 11-533 — General Procedures

Default procedural rules.

Rule 11-534 — Final Committee Disposition

Outcomes and recommendations.

Rule 11-535 — Appealing Final Committee Determination

Appeal to the Supreme Court.

Rule 11-536 — Actions in District Court

When matters proceed in district court.

Rule 11-537 — Failure to Answer Charges

Consequences for non-response.

Rule 11-538 — Trustee to Protect Clients’ Interests

When lawyer disappears, dies, is suspended, delicensed, or disabled.

Rule 11-539 — Costs

Costs of disciplinary proceedings.

Rule 11-540 — Immunity from Civil Suits

Immunity for participants in the process.

Rule 11-541 — Service

Service of documents in disciplinary matters.

Rule 11-542 — Additional Rules of Procedure

Supplemental procedural rules.

Rule 11-550 — Diversion: Referrals, Authority, Responsibilities

Purpose and framework for diversion.

Rule 11-551 — Circumstances Warranting Diversion

When diversion may be appropriate.

Rule 11-552 — Diversion Contract

Terms and structure of diversion agreements.

Rule 11-553 — Respondent’s Participation

Obligations during diversion.

Rule 11-554 — Terminating Diversion

Completion or termination of the program.

Rule 11-555 — Diversion Costs

Assessment and payment of costs.

Rule 11-560 — Grounds for Discipline

What conduct leads to discipline.

Rule 11-561 — Accessing Disciplinary Information

Public access and confidentiality.

Rule 11-562 — Disseminating Disciplinary Information

Publication and reporting of outcomes.

Rule 11-563 — Interim Discipline for Threat of Harm

Emergency measures to protect the public.

Rule 11-564 — Finding of Guilt or Plea to a Crime

Consequences of criminal convictions/pleas.

Rule 11-565 — Discipline by Consent

Consensual discipline process.

Rule 11-566 — Resignation with Discipline Pending

Effect of resignation while under investigation.

Rule 11-567 — Reciprocal Discipline

Discipline based on another jurisdiction’s action.

Rule 11-568 — Proceedings when Lawyer is Incompetent/Incapacitated

Protective measures and process.

Rule 11-569 — Noncompliance with Orders (support, visitation, etc.)

Discipline for specified noncompliance.

Rule 11-570 — Notice of Disability or Suspension; Return Property; Refund Fees

Duties following suspension or disability notice.

Rule 11-580 — Purpose & Nature of Sanctions

Why sanctions are imposed; objectives.

Rule 11-581 — Sanctions

Available sanctions and application.

Rule 11-582 — Factors in Imposing Sanctions

Aggravating & mitigating considerations.

Rule 11-583 — Presumptive Sanctions: Duties to Clients

Baseline sanctions for client-related breaches.

Rule 11-584 — Presumptive Sanctions: Duties to Public

Baselines for misconduct impacting the public.

Rule 11-585 — Presumptive Sanctions: Duties to Legal System

Baselines for tribunal-related breaches.

Rule 11-586 — Sanctions: Duties as Member of Profession

Baselines for professional-role breaches.

Rule 11-587 — Prior Discipline Orders

Effect of prior orders on sanctions.

Rule 11-588 — Aggravation & Mitigation

Weighing circumstances for final sanction.

Rule 11-590 — Reinstatement (≤ 6 Months) or Probation

Process for short suspensions and probation.

Rule 11-591 — Reinstatement (> 6 Months); Relicensure

Process for longer suspensions or relicensure.