The Supreme Court of Ohio
& The Ohio Judicial System

Commission on Professionalism

About the Commission

Commission Events

20th Anniversary Luncheon
In 2012, the Commission celebrated its 20th anniversary. A luncheon was held on September 27, 2012 to commemorate this event. Attendees included past and current Commission members, as well as mentors who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program by serving every year since the program's pilot, for a total of five terms. The luncheon provided an opportunity to review Commission accomplishments and discuss ideas for possible future initiatives. If you have suggestions for Commission projects, please send an e-mail to lori.keating@sc.ohio.gov.

Student to Lawyer Symposium
On November 16, 2012, the Commission hosted its second Student to Lawyer Symposium, a discussion between law school professors, experienced practicing attorneys, new lawyers, law school students, and judges on best practices for preparing law school students to be exemplary professionals.

View the symposium video from the 2010 program

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.

Promoting Professionalism On and From the Bench

This is an educational program presented through the Ohio Judicial College 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.

Commission Publications

Professionalism Dos and Don’ts: Depositions
This is a list of best practices for scheduling, conducting, or attending depositions. This publication may be distributed by presenters at professionalism CLEs, given by judges to practitioners who come before them, or used by law professor to educate their students. To obtain copies free of charge, please contact the Commission.

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

Materials for Professionalism CLEs
The Commission is putting together materials that presenters may use at professionalism CLEs or other venues. Presenters who choose to use these materials for CLE courses must still submit a complete application to the CLE Commission in accordance with Gov. Bar R. X, as these materials have not been preapproved by the CLE Comission.

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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