AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 534 adds the following phrase to the attorney's oath: "conduct oneself with integrity and civility in dealing and communicating with the court and all parties." These ideas are central to the legal profession and match language added by at least 14 other states as part of a national movement emphasizing civility in the legal profession.
S.B. 534 amends current law relating to the oath of a person admitted to practice law in the State of Texas.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 82.037(a), Government Code, as follows:
(a) Requires each person admitted to practice law, before receiving a license, to take an oath that the person will support the constitutions of the United States and this state, honestly demean oneself in the practice of law, discharge the attorney's duty to the attorney's client to the best of the attorney's ability, and conduct oneself with integrity and civility in dealing and communicating with the court and all parties.
Makes nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.