The Supreme Court of Ohio
& The Ohio Judicial System

Commission on Professionalism

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About the Commission

Commission Programs

Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program
This state-wide program pairs newly admitted attorneys to experienced attorneys who serve as mentors. Mentors provide professional guidance and share practical knowledge to assist new lawyers in the transition from law school student to legal practitioner.

Commission Publications

A Consumer's Practical Guide to Managing a Relationship with a Lawyer
A joint venture between the Commission and the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Clients’ Security Fund, this publication provides general, practical information about the lawyer-client relationship, including how to find a lawyer, what to expect after hiring a lawyer, and how to avoid problems in the lawyer-client relationship. Attorneys may distribute this guide to their clients and judges may provide it to persons involved in the court system. To obtain copies free of charge, please contact the Commission.

Professional Ideals for Ohio Lawyers and Judges
This publication puts forward ideals of professionalism for lawyers and judges. A Lawyer’s Creed, A Lawyer’s Aspirational Ideals, A Judicial Creed, and the Statement regarding the Provision of pro bono Legal Services by Ohio Lawyers are included. This brochure may be distributed to law school students or to attendees at professionalism CLE’s. To obtain copies free of charge, please contact the Commission.

Commission Initiatives in Development

Dialog with Ohio Law Schools

The Commission is meeting with the Deans from Ohio’s law schools to discuss how law schools may best promote professionalism and give due attention to the formation of professional identity in their students. The Commission hopes to assist the law schools in their efforts to prepare law students to undertake the ethical responsibilities of being a professional. If you have comments or questions about this project, please send an e-mail to lori.keating@sc.ohio.gov.  

Promoting Professionalism On and From the Bench

This is an educational program about how judges and magistrates may best promote professionalism of attorneys inside and outside of the courtroom. Topics include setting a positive example, reducing discovery misconduct, and reining in unprofessional behavior occurring in the presence of the court. It is the Commission’s hope that the highest standards of professionalism in attorneys may be promoted by intervention by the judiciary. If you have comments or questions about this project, please send an e-mail to lori.keating@sc.ohio.gov.

Professionalism & Ethics Rules

Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct
Effective Feb. 1, 2007, every Ohio lawyer should be sure to familiarize him or herself with these rules.

Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct
Effective March 1, 2009, the revised Code of Judicial Conduct regulates the judicial and extrajudicial activities of judges.

Pro Bono

Statement Regarding the Provision of Pro Bono Legal Services by Ohio Lawyers
This statement, issued by the Supreme Court of Ohio Sept. 20, 2007, reminds lawyers of their professional obligation to undertake activities that promote the common good.  Ohio lawyers are strongly encouraged to participate in pro bono activities or to make financial contributions to organizations that provide legal services to persons of limited means.

Save the Dream
A response to the mortgage foreclosure crisis designed to help Ohioans remain in their homes. Read a program summary and volunteer to assist.

CLE Guidelines

Professionalism Resources

News Releases

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