Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Legal Mentoring and Coaching course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Aba is an acronym for American Bar Association which sets standards for l… #
The Aba has a model code of professional responsibility that most states have adopted.
Acceptance of benefits is a term that refers to the act of a lawyer receiving… #
Acceptance of benefits is a term that refers to the act of a lawyer receiving benefits from a client or a third party in connection with the representation of the client.
Accommodation is a term used in the context of disability and access to l… #
Accommodation is a term used in the context of disability and access to legal services, referring to the adjustments made to ensure equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Accountability is the state of being answerable for one's actions, in the… #
Accountability is the state of being answerable for one's actions, in the context of legal ethics, it refers to the responsibility of lawyers to be transparent and honest in their dealings.
Action is a term used to describe a lawsuit or a legal proceeding … #
Action is a term used to describe a lawsuit or a legal proceeding that is brought before a court.
Active listening is a communication technique used by lawyers to engage w… #
Active listening is a communication technique used by lawyers to engage with their clients and understand their concerns and needs.
Administrative regulation interpretation is the process of interpreting a… #
Administrative regulation interpretation is the process of interpreting and applying regulations issued by government agencies.
Admission to practice is the process by which a lawyer is granted the rig… #
Admission to practice is the process by which a lawyer is granted the right to practice law in a particular jurisdiction.
Adversarial system is a legal system in which the parties to a dispute <b… #
Adversarial system is a legal system in which the parties to a dispute present their cases to an impartial decision-maker.
Advice is a term used to describe the guidance or recommendations … #
Advice is a term used to describe the guidance or recommendations provided by a lawyer to a client.
Advocacy is the act of supporting or promoting a particular cause… #
Advocacy is the act of supporting or promoting a particular cause or interest.
Affidavit is a written statement that is sworn to be true, often u… #
Affidavit is a written statement that is sworn to be true, often used as evidence in court proceedings.
Alternative dispute resolution refers to the processes and techniques<… #
Alternative dispute resolution refers to the processes and techniques used to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom.
American bar association model rules of professional conduct is a set of rule… #
American bar association model rules of professional conduct is a set of rules that govern the conduct of lawyers in the US.
Anonymity is the state of being unknown or unidentified , in the co… #
Anonymity is the state of being unknown or unidentified, in the context of legal ethics, it refers to the right of clients to remain anonymous in certain circumstances.
Appeal is a request to a higher court to review a decision made by… #
Appeal is a request to a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.
Appearance is the act of presenting oneself in court or at a hearing</… #
Appearance is the act of presenting oneself in court or at a hearing on behalf of a client.
Appellate procedure is the process by which a case is appealed to… #
Appellate procedure is the process by which a case is appealed to a higher court.
Applicant is an individual who applies for a position or for admis… #
Applicant is an individual who applies for a position or for admission to a program.
Application is a request or petition for something, such as admiss… #
Application is a request or petition for something, such as admission to a program or for a license to practice law.
Appointment is the act of selecting or choosing someone for a p… #
Appointment is the act of selecting or choosing someone for a position or role.
Arbitration is a process in which a neutral third party decides a… #
Arbitration is a process in which a neutral third party decides a dispute between two or more parties.
Assessment is the evaluation or measurement of something, such as… #
Assessment is the evaluation or measurement of something, such as a client's needs or a lawyer's performance.
Assignment is the act of transferring or delegating a task or r… #
Assignment is the act of transferring or delegating a task or responsibility to someone else.
Attorney is a lawyer who has been licensed to practice law in a pa… #
Attorney is a lawyer who has been licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction.
Attorney #
client privilege is a doctrine that protects the confidentiality of communications between a lawyer and their client.
Audit is a review or examination of something, such as a lawyer's… #
Audit is a review or examination of something, such as a lawyer's records or accounts.
Authorization is the act of granting or giving someone the powe… #
Authorization is the act of granting or giving someone the power to do something.
Autonomy is the state of being independent or self #
governing, in the context of legal ethics, it refers to the right of clients to make their own decisions.
Avoidance of appearance of impropriety is a principle that requires lawye… #
Avoidance of appearance of impropriety is a principle that requires lawyers to avoid any appearance of improper or unethical behavior.
Barrister is a lawyer who has been trained to represent cli… #
Barrister is a lawyer who has been trained to represent clients in court.
Billable hour is a unit of time that a lawyer charges a client for… #
Billable hour is a unit of time that a lawyer charges a client for their services.
Brief is a written document that outlines a party's arguments</… #
Brief is a written document that outlines a party's arguments or position in a case.
Burden of proof is the responsibility of one party to prove their… #
Burden of proof is the responsibility of one party to prove their case or claim.
Business development is the process of identifying and pursuing… #
Business development is the process of identifying and pursuing new opportunities for a law firm or practice.
Capacity is the ability or power to do something, in the context o… #
Capacity is the ability or power to do something, in the context of legal ethics, it refers to a client's ability to make informed decisions.
Case law is the body of law that is based on the decisions … #
Case law is the body of law that is based on the decisions of courts.
Cause of action is a claim or right that a party has to sue … #
Cause of action is a claim or right that a party has to sue another party.
Certification is the process of verifying or confirming som… #
Certification is the process of verifying or confirming something, such as a lawyer's expertise or qualifications.
Change of circumstances is a situation in which there is a material</b… #
Change of circumstances is a situation in which there is a material change in the facts or circumstances of a case.
Charitable organization is an organization that has been established</… #
Charitable organization is an organization that has been established for a charitable purpose.
Civil procedure is the body of law that governs the process … #
Civil procedure is the body of law that governs the process of a civil lawsuit.
Client is an individual or organization that seeks the advice</… #
Client is an individual or organization that seeks the advice or representation of a lawyer.
Client confidentiality is the duty of a lawyer to maintain the … #
Client confidentiality is the duty of a lawyer to maintain the confidentiality of client information.
Client screening is the process of evaluating a potential client t… #
Client screening is the process of evaluating a potential client to determine whether to accept the client.
Code of conduct is a set of rules or guidelines that govern the <b… #
Code of conduct is a set of rules or guidelines that govern the behavior of lawyers.
Code of ethics is a set of principles or standards that govern the… #
Code of ethics is a set of principles or standards that govern the behavior of lawyers.
Commercial law is the body of law that governs business and… #
Commercial law is the body of law that governs business and commercial transactions.
Common law is the body of law that is based on the decisions</b… #
Common law is the body of law that is based on the decisions of courts.
Communication is the process of exchanging information or ideas… #
Communication is the process of exchanging information or ideas between two or more parties.
Compensation is the payment or reward for something, such as a law… #
Compensation is the payment or reward for something, such as a lawyer's services.
Complaint is a statement or allegation of wrongdoing or … #
Complaint is a statement or allegation of wrongdoing or misconduct.
Compliance is the act of conforming to a rule or regulat… #
Compliance is the act of conforming to a rule or regulation.
Concurrent jurisdiction is a situation in which two or more courts have <… #
Concurrent jurisdiction is a situation in which two or more courts have jurisdiction over the same case or matter.
Confidential information is information that is private or priv… #
Confidential information is information that is private or privileged and should not be disclosed to others.
Confidentiality is the duty of a lawyer to maintain the confide… #
Confidentiality is the duty of a lawyer to maintain the confidentiality of client information.
Conflict of interest is a situation in which a lawyer's interests … #
Conflict of interest is a situation in which a lawyer's interests or loyalties are divided between two or more clients or parties.
Consent is the agreement or permission of a party to do something #
Consent is the agreement or permission of a party to do something.
Constitutional law is the body of law that governs the relation… #
Constitutional law is the body of law that governs the relationship between the government and the people.
Consultation is a meeting or discussion between a lawyer and a cli… #
Consultation is a meeting or discussion between a lawyer and a client to discuss the client's needs and goals.
Contingent fee is a fee that is paid to a lawyer only if the lawye… #
Contingent fee is a fee that is paid to a lawyer only if the lawyer is successful in the case.
Contract is a binding agreement between two or more parties #
Contract is a binding agreement between two or more parties.
Contract law is the body of law that governs contracts and… #
Contract law is the body of law that governs contracts and contractual relationships.
Counsel is a lawyer who advises or represents a client #
Counsel is a lawyer who advises or represents a client.
Counseling is the process of advising or guiding a client #
Counseling is the process of advising or guiding a client.
Court is a tribunal or forum in which lawsuits are heard… #
Court is a tribunal or forum in which lawsuits are heard and decided.
Court #
appointed lawyer is a lawyer who has been appointed by the court to represent a client.
Credibility is the quality of being believable or trustworthy</… #
Credibility is the quality of being believable or trustworthy.
Criminal law is the body of law that governs crimes and … #
Criminal law is the body of law that governs crimes and criminal behavior.
Cross #
examination is the process of questioning a witness who has been called by the opposing party.
Damages is the amount of money that is awarded to a party a… #
Damages is the amount of money that is awarded to a party as compensation for a loss or injury.
Decision is a ruling or judgment made by a court or tribunal</b… #
Decision is a ruling or judgment made by a court or tribunal.
Default judgment is a judgment that is entered against a party who… #
Default judgment is a judgment that is entered against a party who has failed to appear or respond to a lawsuit.
Defendant is a party who is being sued or accused of someth… #
Defendant is a party who is being sued or accused of something.
Defense is the arguments or evidence presented by the defendant to… #
Defense is the arguments or evidence presented by the defendant to refute the claims made against them.
Deposition is a sworn testimony of a witness that is taken outside… #
Deposition is a sworn testimony of a witness that is taken outside of court.
Disbarment is the process of removing a lawyer's license to… #
Disbarment is the process of removing a lawyer's license to practice law.
Discharge is the act of releasing a party from a contract o… #
Discharge is the act of releasing a party from a contract or obligation.
Discovery is the process of exchanging information or documents… #
Discovery is the process of exchanging information or documents between parties in a lawsuit.
Discretion is the power or authority to make decisions or <… #
Discretion is the power or authority to make decisions or judgments.
Discrimination is the act of treating someone unfairly or diffe… #
Discrimination is the act of treating someone unfairly or differently based on a protected characteristic.
Dispute resolution is the process of resolving a dispute or con… #
Dispute resolution is the process of resolving a dispute or conflict between two or more parties.
Diversity is the state of being different or varied , in the… #
Diversity is the state of being different or varied, in the context of legal ethics, it refers to the importance of inclusivity and respect for difference.
Document is a written or printed record of something #
Document is a written or printed record of something.
Due diligence is the process of investigating or evaluating … #
Due diligence is the process of investigating or evaluating something, such as a potential investment or business opportunity.
Due process is the principle that guarantees fairness and justi… #
Due process is the principle that guarantees fairness and justice in the application of the law.
Duty is a responsibility or obligation to do something, in the con… #
Duty is a responsibility or obligation to do something, in the context of legal ethics, it refers to the duties of lawyers to their clients and to the law.
Duty of care is the obligation of a lawyer to act with reasonab… #
Duty of care is the obligation of a lawyer to act with reasonableness and prudence in the representation of a client.
Electronic discovery is the process of recovering and reviewing… #
Electronic discovery is the process of recovering and reviewing electronic documents and data in a lawsuit.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage</… #
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others.
Employment law is the body of law that governs the relationship… #
Employment law is the body of law that governs the relationship between employers and employees.
Environmental law is the body of law that governs the protectio… #
Environmental law is the body of law that governs the protection of the environment.
Evidence is the information or documents presented in a court of l… #
Evidence is the information or documents presented in a court of law to prove a fact or claim.
Ex parte is a hearing or proceeding in which only one party is … #
Ex parte is a hearing or proceeding in which only one party is present.
Examination is the process of questioning a witness or expert</… #
Examination is the process of questioning a witness or expert in a court of law.
Exclusionary rule is a doctrine that excludes evidence that has be… #
Exclusionary rule is a doctrine that excludes evidence that has been obtained in violation of a party's rights.
Executor is a person who has been appointed to administer t… #
Executor is a person who has been appointed to administer the estate of a deceased person.
Expert witness is a person who has specialized knowledge or exp… #
Expert witness is a person who has specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular field and is called to testify in a court of law.
Fee is the amount of money that a lawyer charges for their… #
Fee is the amount of money that a lawyer charges for their services.
Fiduciary is a person who has a fiduciary duty to act in the be… #
Fiduciary is a person who has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of another party.
Fiduciary duty is the obligation of a fiduciary to act with loy… #
Fiduciary duty is the obligation of a fiduciary to act with loyalty and care in the best interests of the beneficiary.
Finding is a conclusion or determination made by a court or tri… #
Finding is a conclusion or determination made by a court or tribunal.
Forensic is a term that refers to the application of scientific or… #
Forensic is a term that refers to the application of scientific or technical expertise to investigate or analyze evidence.
Formal opinion is a written opinion that is issued by a cou… #
Formal opinion is a written opinion that is issued by a court or tribunal.
Fraud is a type of deception or misrepresentation that is <… #
Fraud is a type of deception or misrepresentation that is intended to cheat or defraud another party.
Full disclosure is the act of providing complete and accurate</… #
Full disclosure is the act of providing complete and accurate information about something.
Grievance is a complaint or allegation of misconduct or … #
Grievance is a complaint or allegation of misconduct or unprofessional behavior.
Hearing is a proceeding in which evidence is presented and argu… #
Hearing is a proceeding in which evidence is presented and arguments are made.
Impeachment is the process of challenging the credibility o… #
Impeachment is the process of challenging the credibility of a witness.
In camera is a hearing or proceeding that is private or … #
In camera is a hearing or proceeding that is private or confidential.
In forma pauperis is a status that allows a party to proceed with… #
In forma pauperis is a status that allows a party to proceed with a lawsuit without paying the usual fees.
In limine is a motion that is made to exclude evidence or testi… #
In limine is a motion that is made to exclude evidence or testimony from a trial.
In terrorem is a clause in a will or contract that is intended<… #
In terrorem is a clause in a will or contract that is intended to deter a party from challenging the document.
Inadmissibility is the state of being not allowed to be present… #
Inadmissibility is the state of being not allowed to be presented as evidence.
Incapacity is the state of being unable to act or make d… #
Incapacity is the state of being unable to act or make decisions due to a physical or mental condition.
Indemnification is the act of protecting someone from loss … #
Indemnification is the act of protecting someone from loss or liability.
Independent contractor is a person who works on a project o… #
Independent contractor is a person who works on a project or task without being an employee of the company.
Informed consent is the agreement of a party to do something after being… #
Informed consent is the agreement of a party to do something after being fully informed of the risks and benefits.
Injunction is a court order that requires a party to do or… #
Injunction is a court order that requires a party to do or refrain from doing something.
Insolvency is the state of being unable to pay debts or … #
Insolvency is the state of being unable to pay debts or obligations.
Intellectual property is the body of law that governs the prote… #
Intellectual property is the body of law that governs the protection of creative works and inventions.
Interest is a fee or charge that is added to a debt or l… #
Interest is a fee or charge that is added to a debt or loan.
Interrogatory is a question that is posed to a party in a lawsuit #
Interrogatory is a question that is posed to a party in a lawsuit.
Interview is a meeting or conversation between a lawyer and a clie… #
Interview is a meeting or conversation between a lawyer and a client or witness.
Investigation is the process of gathering information or eviden… #
Investigation is the process of gathering information or evidence about something.
Irreparable harm is a type of harm that cannot be undone or… #
Irreparable harm is a type of harm that cannot be undone or compensated.
Jargon is a term that refers to the language or terminology … #
Jargon is a term that refers to the language or terminology that is unique to a particular field or profession.
Joint and several liability is a type of liability in which two or… #
Joint and several liability is a type of liability in which two or more parties are responsible for the same debt or obligation.
Judge is a public official who presides over a court of law #
Judge is a public official who presides over a court of law.
Judgment is a decision or ruling made by a court or tribunal</b… #
Judgment is a decision or ruling made by a court or tribunal.
Judicial is a term that refers to the administration of justice… #
Judicial is a term that refers to the administration of justice or the judiciary.
Jurisdiction is the authority or power of a court or tribunal</… #
Jurisdiction is the authority or power of a court or tribunal to hear and decide a case.
Jurisprudence is the body of law and legal theory #
Jurisprudence is the body of law and legal theory.
Justice is the state of being just or fair #
Justice is the state of being just or fair.
Law is a body of rules and regulations that govern behav… #
Law is a body of rules and regulations that govern behavior and conduct.
Law firm is a business that provides legal services to clie… #
Law firm is a business that provides legal services to clients.
Lawyer is a professional who has been trained and licensed … #
Lawyer is a professional who has been trained and licensed to practice law.
Legal aid is the provision of legal services to those who c… #
Legal aid is the provision of legal services to those who cannot afford them.
Legal assistant is a person who assists a lawyer in the perform… #
Legal assistant is a person who assists a lawyer in the performance of their duties.
Legal ethics is the body of rules and principles that gover… #
Legal ethics is the body of rules and principles that govern the behavior of lawyers.
Legal opinion is a written statement that provides an in… #
Legal opinion is a written statement that provides an interpretation of the law.
Legal profession is the body of lawyers and legal profes… #
Legal profession is the body of lawyers and legal professionals who practice law.
Legislation is the process of enacting or amending laws #
Legislation is the process of enacting or amending laws.
Legislative history is the record of the development and enactm… #
Legislative history is the record of the development and enactment of a law.
Letter of intent is a document that outlines the terms of a… #
Letter of intent is a document that outlines the terms of a proposed agreement.
Liability is the state of being responsible for something #
Liability is the state of being responsible for something.
Libel is a type of defamation that occurs through written o… #
Libel is a type of defamation that occurs through written or published statements.
Lien is a claim or security interest in a property or as… #
Lien is a claim or security interest in a property or asset.
Limited liability is a type of liability that is limited to… #
Limited liability is a type of liability that is limited to a specific amount or extent.
Litigation is the process of resolving a dispute or claim t… #
Litigation is the process of resolving a dispute or claim through the courts.
Magistrate is a public official who has the authority to <b… #
Magistrate is a public official who has the authority to hear and decide certain types of cases.
Malpractice is a type of negligence or misconduct that occu… #
Malpractice is a type of negligence or misconduct that occurs in the performance of a professional service.
Mandatory is a term that refers to something that is required or <… #
Mandatory is a term that refers to something that is required or obligatory.
Mediation is a process of resolving a dispute or conflict w… #
Mediation is a process of resolving a dispute or conflict with the help of a neutral third party.
Mentor is a person who guides or advises another person, of… #
Mentor is a person who guides or advises another person, often in a professional or occupational context.
Merger is the process of combining two or more companies or… #
Merger is the process of combining two or more companies or entities into one.
Misconduct is a type of behavior that is unprofessional or… #
Misconduct is a type of behavior that is unprofessional or unethical.
Misrepresentation is a type of deception or false statement… #
Misrepresentation is a type of deception or false statement that is made to induce someone to do something.
Mitigation is the process of reducing or minimizing the … #
Mitigation is the process of reducing or minimizing the effects of something.
Motion is a request or application made to a court or tribunal<… #
Motion is a request or application made to a court or tribunal for a specific relief or order.
Negligence is a type of carelessness or failure to act</… #
Negligence is a type of carelessness or failure to act with reasonable care.
Negotiation is the process of reaching an agreement or s… #
Negotiation is the process of reaching an agreement or settlement between two or more parties.
Non #
disclosure agreement is a contract that requires a party to keep certain information confidential.
Notice is a written or verbal communication that informs… #
Notice is a written or verbal communication that informs someone of something.
Null and void is a term that refers to something that is invalid o… #
Null and void is a term that refers to something that is invalid or without legal effect.
Oath is a promise or vow to tell the truth or to perform… #
Oath is a promise or vow to tell the truth or to perform a certain act.
Objection is a statement or argument made to challenge or <… #
Objection is a statement or argument made to challenge or disagree with something.
Occupational health and safety is the body of law and regulatio… #
Occupational health and safety is the body of law and regulations that govern the health and safety of workers in the workplace.
Offer is a proposal or invitation to do something or to enter</… #
Offer is a proposal or invitation to do something or to enter into a contract.
Officer of the court is a person who has been appointed or auth… #
Officer of the court is a person who has been appointed or authorized to perform certain duties in a court of law.
Opinion is a written or verbal statement that expresses<… #
Opinion is a written or verbal statement that expresses a view or judgment about something.
Opposing party is a party who is against or opposed to anot… #
Opposing party is a party who is against or opposed to another party in a lawsuit or dispute.
Option is a choice or alternative that is available to some… #
Option is a choice or alternative that is available to someone.
Order is a command or directive made by a court or tribunal #
Order is a command or directive made by a court or tribunal.
Ordinance is a law or regulation that is enacted by a local… #
Ordinance is a law or regulation that is enacted by a local government.
Outcome is the result or consequence of a particular action … #
Outcome is the result or consequence of a particular action or decision.
Panel is a group of people who are selected to hear … #
Panel is a group of people who are selected to hear and decide a case or dispute.
Paralegal is a person who has been trained to assist lawyer… #
Paralegal is a person who has been trained to assist lawyers in the performance of their duties.
Partner is a person who has an ownership interest in a business… #
Partner is a person who has an ownership interest in a business or law firm.
Party is a person or entity that is involved in a lawsuit o… #
Party is a person or entity that is involved in a lawsuit or dispute.
Patent is a type of intellectual property that protects<… #
Patent is a type of intellectual property that protects inventions and innovations.
Payment is the act of giving or receiving something of v… #
Payment is the act of giving or receiving something of value in exchange for something else.
Pension is a type of retirement plan that provides a gua… #
Pension is a type of retirement plan that provides a guaranteed income to an employee after they retire.
Perjury is a type of lying or misrepresentation that occurs… #
Perjury is a type of lying or misrepresentation that occurs under oath.
Personal injury is a type of harm or injury that is caus… #
Personal injury is a type of harm or injury that is caused by the negligence or misconduct of another party.
Petition is a request or application made to a court or tribuna… #
Petition is a request or application made to a court or tribunal for a specific relief or order.
Plaintiff is a party who brings a lawsuit or claim against… #
Plaintiff is a party who brings a lawsuit or claim against another party.
Pleadings is a document that outlines a party's claims or <… #
Pleadings is a document that outlines a party's claims or defenses in a lawsuit.
Policy is a statement or document that outlines a course… #
Policy is a statement or document that outlines a course of action or a