La. R. Dist. Ct. 6.2

As amended through May 31, 2024

Rule 6.2 - Attorney Conduct

(a) Any attorney who tenders himself or herself before the court and represents that he or she is duly authorized to practice law, but who has been declared ineligible, suspended, or disbarred from practice before the courts of this State, shall be subject to contempt proceedings.

(b) No one may represent a party in any proceeding except counsel of record, unless allowed to do so by law.

(c) When an attorney is interested in two or more matters fixed for hearing in different sections or divisions of court on the same day, that attorney shall notify the minute clerk of the section or sections from which he or she expects to be temporarily absent as to his or her presence in another court.

(d) As a general rule, attorneys desiring to address the court while it is in session shall do so while standing. Unless directed otherwise by the judge, all judgments, orders, decrees, or other documents shall be handed to the clerk, who shall hand them to the judge.

(e) Private conversation or conference between attorneys or others in attendance during any court session should not be disruptive to the proceedings.

(f) Attorneys shall address all remarks, objections, and comments to the judge, never to opposing counsel. Impromptu argument or discussion between counsel will not be permitted.

(g) Except with leave of court obtained, only one attorney for each party shall examine any one witness.

(h) Counsel may not approach the witness in the witness chair without first obtaining the court's permission.

(i) Before showing an exhibit to a witness, counsel shall first either show opposing counsel the exhibit or provide opposing counsel with a copy of the exhibit.

(j) Counsel and parties to any litigation shall not send the court copies of correspondence between them.

(k) Attorneys shall abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct and should abide by the Louisiana Code of Professionalism, the latter of which is set forth below:

The Louisiana Code of Professionalism

My word is my bond. I will conduct myself with honesty, dignity, civility, courtesy and fairness and will not engage in any demeaning or derogatory actions or commentary toward others. I will not knowingly make statements of fact or law that are untrue or misleading and I will clearly identify for other counsel changes I have made in documents submitted to me. I will be punctual in my communication with clients, other counsel and the court. I will honor scheduled appearances and will cooperate with other counsel in all respects. I will allow counsel fair opportunity to respond and will grant reasonable requests for extensions of time. I will not abuse or misuse the law, its procedures or the participants in the judicial process. I will cooperate with counsel and the court to reduce the cost of litigation and will not file or oppose pleadings, conduct discovery or utilize any course of conduct for the purpose of undue delay or harassment of any other counsel or party. I will not engage in personal attacks on other counsel or the court or use the threat of sanctions as a litigation tactic. I will support my profession's efforts to enforce its disciplinary rules and will not make unfounded allegations of unethical conduct about other counsel. I will work to protect and improve the image of the legal profession in the eyes of the public. I will endeavor to improve our system of justice. I will use technology, including social media, responsibly. My words and actions, no matter how conveyed, should reflect the professionalism expected of me as a lawyer. I will seek opportunities to be of service to the bench and bar and assist those who cannot afford legal help. I will be supportive of new members in the profession. I will stay informed about changes in the law, communication, and technology which affect the practice of law.

La. Dist. Ct. 6.2

Adopted 4/1/2002, effective 4/1/2002; amended October 29, 2003, effective 1/4/2004; amended November 20, 2009, effective 1/1/2010; amended December 11, 2018, effective 1/1/2019.

Comments

(a) The Louisiana Code of Professionalism was authored by the Professionalism and Quality of Life Committee of the Louisiana State Bar Association in 1991. It was adopted by the Louisiana State Bar Association House of Delegates and approved by the Supreme Court of Louisiana in January 1992.

(b) Rule 6.2(j) is not intended to prohibit attaching correspondence between counsel to a pleading where appropriate, such as to show that attempts have been made to schedule a conference to resolve discovery disputes under Rule 10.1.