5 A. Advocates (lawyers)

Sources: the Nepal Bar Council Act 2050 (1993); 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 to fine, suspension or cancellation of the licence.