5 A. Advocates (lawyers)

Sources: the Advocacy Act 2047 (1991); the Nepal Bar Council's rules and the Advocates' Code of Conduct; the tradition of the Bar. Duty to the court (the Bench): 1. Uphold the dignity and decorum of the court; no personal attacks on judges; 2. Candour — present law and facts honestly, cite contrary authority; 3. No frivolous or vexatious litigation; no abuse of process; 4. No improper communication with the judge (ex parte approaches); 5. Appear on time, dress and address according to etiquette. Duty to the client: 1. Competence — accept only work one can handle; 2. Loyalty — no conflict of interest; no acting against a former client in the same matter; 3. Confidentiality — secrets learned in the retainer are inviolable; 4. Honesty about fees and prospects — no guarantee of results, no overreaching; 5. Diligence — no unreasonable delay (delay is the client's loss, not the lawyer's). Duty to the opponent and the profession: fairness in negotiation; no insulting opponents; no advertising that demeans the profession; cooperation with bar bodies; junior colleagues to be treated fairly. Duty to society: the advocate is an officer of court and a servant of justice — not merely a hired mouth. Where law is unjust, the advocate works for reform. Enforcement: complaints to the Nepal Bar Council — penalties from advice/warning…