Bearing the Standard: Why the OBA Standards of Professionalism Matter to Lawyers

By Amber Peckio

Have you ever found yourself unsure how to proceed when a possible conflict arises or some other potentially thorny situation presents itself? The OBA Standards of Professionalism[1] are a resource all Oklahoma lawyers should know about. Twenty years ago, the Board of Governors adopted the standards to set expectations for attorney behavior that go far beyond the minimum legal requirements, emphasizing honesty, civility and service as central pillars of legal practice. The standards outline how lawyers should conduct themselves with the public, clients, courts and other lawyers. They offer a framework for elevating professionalism in a system that relies on trust, respect and ethical conduct, representing the level of behavior we expect from each other and the public expects from us.

The Standards of Professionalism were intended to fill the gap between rules and real-world practice, recognizing that minimum conduct, dictated by disciplinary rules, is not always sufficient to sustain the dignity and effectiveness of the legal profession. They remind us that the practice of law is a learned profession grounded in public service, integrity and civility. For practicing attorneys, this matters in everyday interactions. The standards call for prompt communication with clients and opposing counsel, truthful representations to courts and parties and proactive efforts to avoid needless costs, delays and conflict. Lawyers are encouraged to participate in pro bono work and organized activities that improve the administration of justice. They also emphasize cultural sensitivity and unbiased conduct, calling on lawyers to refrain from behavior that “exhibits or is intended to appeal to or engender bias” based on characteristics such as race, gender or disability.

The standards also make clear that zealous representation does not require incivility or abrasive conduct. Lawyers are reminded that reasonable people can disagree without being disagreeable and that effective representation often is enhanced rather than hindered by courtesy and restraint.

These expectations should not be merely aspirational. By guiding behavior that fosters respect and trust, the standards help maintain public confidence in the legal system. They also support lawyers in delivering competent and ethical service and reinforcing professional identity and public accountability. As OBA president, I am always excited to share the many ways the OBA supports its members in achieving these guiding principles.

The Office of the Ethics Counsel is one example of the assistance the association provides. OBA members can call or email to obtain informal advice and interpretations of the rules of attorney conduct. The service is confidential and free for OBA members! The Office of the Ethics Counsel may be reached at 405-416-7055 or  ethicscounsel@okbar.org. I encourage all Oklahoma lawyers to take advantage of this member benefit to ensure they adhere to the highest ethics standards of our profession.

Oklahoma lawyers in solo and small firm settings should also have the OBA Management Assistance Program on speed dial! This practice management advisory department was created to help Oklahoma lawyers better organize and operate the business and management sides of their practices while leveraging ever-evolving law firm technology. This program can help OBA members achieve better outcomes regarding communications, scheduling and bookkeeping, ensuring clients receive the highest level of service, counsel and care. The hotline for brief questions is 405-416-7008, or reach out to OBA MAP Director Julie Bays by email at julieb@okbar.org.

With regard to competence, publications such as the award-winning Oklahoma Bar Journal and our outstanding OBA CLE Department help keep you current on the law in your own practice area while broadening your understanding of other topics of legal interest.

Never be afraid of asking for help! Relying on the OBA Standards of Professionalism as your compass point will result in better communication, greater respect in the courtroom and a focus on legal solutions rather than personal conflict. Observing professionalism can reduce costly disputes, preserve reputations and improve working relationships across the legal community. Let standards remain a vital reminder that ethical, courteous and service-oriented conduct is not just good practice, it is also essential to the rule of law itself.

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ENDNOTES

[1] www.okbar.org/ec/standardsofprofessionalism.

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Originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal – OBJ 97 Vol 3 (March 2026).

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.