A lawyer is an expert in law pursuing a learned art in service to clients and in the spirit of public service and engaging in these pursuits as part of a common calling to promote justice and public good. Essential characteristics of the lawyer are knowledge of the law, skill in applying the applicable law to the factual context, thoroughness of preparation, practical and prudential wisdom, ethical conduct and integrity, and dedication to justice and the public good.

The ethical standards relating to the practice of law and to the administration of law in the courts of this State are defined and documented in the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee Rule 8. Click here to read the rule in its entirety.

Preamble
Scope
Analysis
Chapter 1	The Client-Lawyer Relationship
Rule 1.0.	Definitions
Rule 1.1.	Competence
Rule 1.2.	Scope of the Representation and the Allocation of Authority Between the Lawyer and Client
Rule 1.3.	Diligence
Rule 1.4.	Communication
Rule 1.5.	Fees
Rule 1.6.	Confidentiality
Rule 1.7.	Conflict of Interest: General Rule
Rule 1.8.	Conflict of Interest: Prohibited Transactions
Rule 1.9.	Conflict of Interest: Former Client
Rule 1.10.	Imputed Disqualification: General Rule
Rule 1.11.	Successive Government and Private Employment
Rule 1.12.	Former Judge or Arbitrator
Rule 1.13.	Organizational Clients
Rule 1.14.	Client Under a Disability
Rule 1.15.	Safekeeping Property
Rule 1.16.	Declining and Terminating Representation
Rule 1.17.	Sale of a Law Practice
Chapter 2	The Lawyer as Counselor, Intermediary, and Dispute Resolution Neutral
Rule 2.1.	Advisor
Rule 2.2.	Lawyer Serving as an Intermediary Between Clients
Rule 2.3.	Evaluation for Use by Third Persons
Rule 2.4.	Lawyer as a Dispute Resolution Neutral
Chapter 3	Advocate
Rule 3.1.	Meritorious Claims and Contentions
Rule 3.2.	Expediting Litigation
Rule 3.3.	Candor Toward the Tribunal
Rule 3.4.	Fairness to the Opposing Party and Counsel
Rule 3.5.	Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
Rule 3.6.	Trial Publicity
Rule 3.7.	Lawyer as a Witness
Rule 3.8.	Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
Rule 3.9.	Advocate in Non-Adjudicative Proceedings
Chapter 4	Transactions With Persons Other Than Clients
Rule 4.1.	Truthfulness and Candor in Statements to Others
Rule 4.2.	Communication With a Person Represented by Counsel
Rule 4.3.	Dealing with an Unrepresented Person
Rule 4.4.	Respect for the Rights of Third Persons
Chapter 5	Law Firms, Legal Departments, and Legal Service Organizations
Rule 5.1.	Responsibilities of a Partner, Managing Lawyer, or Supervisory Lawyer
Rule 5.2.	Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer
Rule 5.3.	Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
Rule 5.4.	Professional Independence of a Lawyer
Rule 5.5.	Unauthorized Practice of Law
Rule 5.6.	Restrictions on the Right to Practice
Rule 5.7.	Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services
Chapter 6	Public Service
Rule 6.1.	Pro Bono Publico Representation
Rule 6.2.	Accepting Court Appointments
Rule 6.3.	Membership in Legal Services Organization
Rule 6.4.	Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests
Chapter 7	Information About Legal Services
Rule 7.1.	Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services
Rule 7.2.	Advertising and Other Communications Not Directed to Specifically Identified Recipients
Rule 7.3.	Solicitation and Other Communications Directed to Specifically Identified Recipients
Rule 7.4.	Communication of Fields of Practice
Rule 7.5.	Firm Names and Letterheads
Rule 7.6.	Intermediary Organizations
Chapter 8	Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession
Rule 8.1.	Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters
Rule 8.2.	Judicial and Legal Officials
Rule 8.3.	Reporting Professional Misconduct
Rule 8.4.	Misconduct
Rule 8.5.	Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law
Tr Rules.	Transitional Rules Governing the Implementation of the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct