FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2011
Contact: Rick DeBruhl
Phone: (602) 340-7335, Mobile: (602) 513-6385
Email: rick.debruhl@staff.azbar.org
State Bar Asks Court to Extend Comment Period on Client Representation
State Bar Asks Court
to Extend Comment Period on Client Representation
PHOENIX- July 22, 2011 -The State Bar of
Arizona Board of Governors has voted to ask the Arizona Supreme
Court to extend its comment period on the Bar's proposal dealing
with lawyers who exhibit bias or prejudice while representing
clients.
"While we're satisfied this proposal has been given proper
consideration, we believe that it's in the best interest of the
state to make sure all voices are heard when it comes to court rule
changes," said State Bar President Joe Kanefield.
The change put forth by the State Bar would add language to rule
42, ER 8.4 stating that it is professional misconduct to "knowingly
manifest bias or prejudice based upon race, gender, religion,
national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, or socioeconomic status in the course of
representing a client when such actions are prejudicial to the
administration of justice; provided, however, this does not
preclude legitimate advocacy when such classification is an issue
in the proceeding."
"It's important to point out that this language applies to clients
who are already being represented by an attorney," said Kanefield.
"It does not prevent an attorney from refusing to take on a client
because of conflicting philosophical or religious beliefs."
The original comment deadline was May 20, 2011. The State Bar will
request a 90 day extension. While the State Bar will make the
formal request, the Arizona Supreme Court will decide whether the
comment period should be extended.
About the State Bar
The State Bar of Arizona is a non-profit organization that operates under the supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court. The Bar includes approximately 16,000 active attorneys and provides education and development programs for the legal profession and the public. Since 1933 the Bar and its members have been committed to serving the public by making sure the voices of all people in Arizona are heard in our justice system.
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