The Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct
As adopted by the Colorado Supreme Court
on May 7, 1992,
effective January 1, 1993,
As amended through Rule Change 2024(18),
effective October 2, 2024.
SYNOPSIS
Preamble and Scope
Rule 1.0 Terminology
CLIENT-LAWYER RELATIONSHIP
Rule 1.1 Competence
Rule 1.2 Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and Lawyer
Rule 1.3 Diligence
Rule 1.4 Communication
Rule 1.5 Fees
Rule 1.6 Confidentiality of Information
Rule 1.7 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients
Rule 1.8 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules
Rule 1.9 Duties to Former Clients
Rule 1.10 Imputation of Conflicts of Interest: General Rule
Rule 1.11 Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees
Rule 1.12 Former Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator or Other Third-party Neutral
Rule 1.13 Organization as Client
Rule 1.14 Client with Diminished Capacity
Rule 1.15. Safekeeping Property
Repealed and readopted as Rules 1.15A - 1.15E, effective June 17, 2014.
Rule 1.15A General Duties of Lawyers Regarding Property of Clients and Third Parties
Rule 1.15B Account Requirements
Rule 1.15C Use of Trust Accounts
Rule 1.15D Required Records
Rule 1.15E Approved Institutions
Rule 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation
Rule 1.16A Client File Retention
Rule 1.17 Sale of Law Practice
Rule 1.18 Duties to Prospective Client
COUNSELOR
Rule 2.1 Advisor
Rule 2.3 Evaluation for Use by Third Persons
Rule 2.4 Lawyer Serving as Third-Party Neutral
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 Opposing Party, Counsel, and LLPs
Rule 3.5 Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
Rule 3.6 Trial Publicity
Rule 3.7 Lawyer as Witness
Rule 3.8 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
Rule 3.9 Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings
TRANSACTIONS WITH PERSONS OTHER THAN CLIENTS
Rule 4.1 Truthfulness in Statements to Others
Rule 4.2 Communication with Person Represented by Counsel
Rule 4.3 Dealing with Unrepresented Person
Rule 4.4 Respect for Rights of Third Persons
Rule 4.5 Threatening Prosecution
LAWFIRMS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Rule 5.1 Responsibilities of a Partner or Supervisory Lawyer
Rule 5.2 Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer
Rule 5.3 Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistance
Rule 5.3A Responsibilities Regarding LLPs
Rule 5.4 Professional Independence of a Lawyer
Rule 5.5 Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law
Rule 5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice
Rule 5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services
PUBLIC SERVICE
Rule 6.1 Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service
Rule 6.2 Accepting Appointments
Rule 6.3 Membership in Legal Services Organization
Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interest
Rule 6.5 Nonprofit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs
INFORMATION ABOUT LEGAL SERVICES
Rule 7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services
Rule 7.2 Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services: Specific Rules
Rule 7.3 Solicitation of Clients
Rule 7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice
Rule 7.5 Firm Names and Letterheads
Rule 7.6 Political Contributions to Obtain Legal Engagements or Appointments by Judges
MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY OF THE PROFESSION
Rule 8.1 Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters
Rule 8.2 Judicial and Legal Official
Rule 8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct
Rule 8.4 Misconduct
Rule 8.5 Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law
HOW KNOWN AND CITED
Rule 9 Title—How Known and Cited