CODE OF CONDUCT
FOR LAW CLERKS AND STAFF ATTORNEYS
OF THE SUPREME COURT OF TEXAS
PREAMBLE
Throughout history, a cornerstone of our system of government has been the principle that freedom is
best preserved by an independent, fair, and competent judiciary providing equal justice for all. Since
1918, law clerks and staff attorneys have helped this Court fulfill its duties. Like the justices whom they
serve, law clerks and staff attorneys have respected and honored the judicial office as a public trust
and have aspired to enhance and maintain confidence in the legal system of this state. Law clerks and
staff attorneys are expected to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary, avoid impropriety
and the appearance of impropriety in all Court activities, adhere to appropriate standards in performing
their Court duties and avoid, when engaging in outside activities, the risk of conflict with those duties.
This Code is promulgated to further these objectives.
CANON 1: Law clerks and staff attorneys must uphold the integrity and independence of the
judiciary.
CANON 2: Law clerks and staff attorneys must avoid impropriety and the appearance of
impropriety in all activities.
Law clerks and staff attorneys must not engage in any activities which would put into
question the propriety of carrying out their duties. Law clerks and staff attorneys must
not allow family, social, or other relationships to influence their Court conduct or
judgment. They must not lend the prestige of their position to advance the private
interests of others, or convey or permit others to convey the impression that any person
is in a position to influence them.
CANON 3: Law clerks and staff attorneys must perform their Court duties impartially and diligently.
In performing these duties:
a.
Law clerks and staff attorneys must respect and comply with the law and must
conduct themselves at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in
the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. In the courtroom, law clerks and
staff at