Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
Members of the Oregon Paralegal Association are required to agree to and uphold the organization's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct as part of their membership. Members must agree to these standards as part of the membership application process. Visit the Ethics Committee page for more information.
Preamble
In addition to those purposes and objectives set forth in the Oregon Paralegal Association's ("OPA") Third Amended and Restated Bylaws adopted on February 11, 2019 as amended, OPA expects its members to adhere to a code of ethics and standards of professional conduct. In addition to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc., Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility ("NFPA Model Rules") and the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct ("ABA Model Rules"), all members of OPA (including those individuals representing a sustaining member) are required to abide by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct reflected below. Violations by OPA's members of any of the provisions contained in this document, the NFPA Model Rules, or the ABA Model Rules may result in disciplinary action taken by the OPA Board. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to: censure, suspension, or expulsion of membership.
The Code of Ethics
All members of OPA (including representatives of sustaining members) must:
Act with professionalism, integrity, competence, diligence, respect, and in an ethical manner with all of OPA's Members, as well as any speakers at OPA functions and any other functions in the legal community. Engage and encourage others to engage in a professional and ethical manner that will reflect credit on themselves and the profession. Promote the integrity and professional image of OPA in all public settings. | Avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety and shall not engage in any conduct that would adversely affect his/her reputation in the legal community. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to: violence, dishonesty, inappropriate contact with members and/or any third party conducting business with OPA. Maintain and improve their own professional competence and strive to maintain and improve the professional competence of other OPA members. |
Standards of Professional Conduct
Gifts. Members must not offer, solicit, or accept any gift, benefit, compensation, or consideration from OPA's Members, Vendors, Speakers, or any other third party doing business with OPA that would appear improper, unprofessional, or unethical to a reasonable person. Misrepresentation. Members must not knowingly make any misrepresentations related to any awards, leadership activity, or other professional activities. | Misconduct. Members must not engage in any professional conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or commit any act that reflects adversely on their own or OPA's professional reputation, integrity, or competence. Unlawful Practice of Law. Members must not engage in the unlawful practice of law as defined by ORS 9.160 or any other applicable law or statute in the jurisdiction in which the member practices. |
I authorize the verification of the information provided above on this form to be true. I certify that I have read and agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct (the "Code") contained in this document. By signing this document, I accept the obligation to abide by this Code and acknowledge that a violation on my part may result in action by the OPA Board of Directors. I also understand that OPA may photograph and/or videotape OPA events and I acknowledge that my image may be captured. By attending I grant OPA my permission to use such images without further acknowledgment and without compensation to me. Oregon Paralegal Association is a 501 (c)(6) professional organization and member of the National Federation of Paralegal Association Inc.