Ethics Opinions

These opinions have been issued by the NYSBA Committee on Professional Ethics. Opinions of the committee are advisory and are issued only to attorneys concerning their own proposed conduct, not past conduct or the conduct of another attorney. The committee does not pass upon questions of law or matters which are in litigation; such matters are within the authority of the court to determine. The committee does not consider anonymous inquiries, hypothetical inquiries or inquiries which have also been submitted to another bar association's ethics committee.  

Opinions can be viewed by date or topic only. You can also use our search function at the top right of the NYSBA homepage to find opinions.

Inquiries may be mailed to the committee at One Elk Street, Albany, New York 12207, or faxed to (518) 487-5694, or e-mailed to [email protected]. Please include in all inquiries your name, mailing address, telephone and fax number.

PLEASE NOTE:

Opinions 1-123 (November 1964-December 1969) were decided under the Canons of Professional Ethics.

Opinions 124-828 (January 1970-March 2009) were decided under the Code of Professional Responsibility.

Opinions 829 and higher (issued on or after April 1, 2009) were decided under the Rules of Professional Conduct.

2020