HR1966: HR1966 Reaffirming our commitment to attorney integrity and recognizing fiduciary duties owed by attorneys to clients and co-counsel; recognize

26 LC 112 4084 House Resolution 1966 By: Representatives Smith of the 18th and Gunter of the 8th A RESOLUTION Reaffirming our commitment to attorney integrity and recognizing fiduciary duties owed by1 attorneys to clients and co-counsel; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the practice of law in the State of Georgia is a public trust essential to the fair3 administration of justice; and4 WHEREAS, attorneys in Georgia are bound by duties of loyalty, c andor, honesty,5 transparency, and fidelity under the Rules of Professional Conduct; and6 WHEREAS, attorneys engaged in joint representation share responsibility and authority over7 client matters, including the safeguarding and disbursement of client funds and attorney's8 fees; and9 WHEREAS, the integrity of Georgia's justice system depends upon lawyers honoring10 fiduciary obligations to their clients and within co-counsel relationships.11 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that12 the members of this body reaffirm their commitment to attorney integrity and recognize that13 H. R. 1966 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4084 lawyers engaged in joint representation owe fiduciary duties to their clients and to one14 another.15 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized16 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the17 public and the press.18 H. R. 1966 - 2 -