1973, April, Pg. 33. ETHICS.

2 Colo.Law. 33

The Colorado Lawyer

1973.

1973, April, Pg. 33.

ETHICS

33Vol. 2, No. 6, Pg. 33ETHICSThe task of the Ethics Committee is to define what conduct is ethical and what conduct is unethical. Inquiries by lawyers or non-lawyers as to the line between conduct which is proper and conduct which is not proper under the Code of Professional Responsibility are properly addressed to the Committee.

Many attorneys, however, mistakenly believe that complaints concerning the conduct of fellow attorneys should be addressed to the Ethics Committee. The Committee has no jurisdiction to act upon such complaints. It does not investigate charges of unethical conduct and does not hold hearings to determine whether an attorney has, in fact, acted unethically or violated the Code. Furthermore, the Committee has no power to discipline an attorney who has engaged in unethical conduct. That power is vested in the Colorado Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Grievance Committee.

Inquiries with respect to whether conduct is ethical or unethical or with respect to other problems involving the Code of Professional Responsibility should be addressed to the Chairman of the Ethics Committee in care of the Bar Association office at 200 West Fourteenth Avenue, Denver 80204, or contact may be made directly with the current Chairman of the Ethics Committee. Matters which are specifically covered by the Code or prior action of the Ethics Committee can be handled without involving the entire Committee. Inquiries which are unique or original in that they have not been previously considered by the entire Ethics Committee are referred to a member of the Committee or a subcommittee for research and report to the entire Committee.

The Ethics Committee is composed of lawyers representing all sections of the state and brings together individuals who are familiar with the local problems of practice in almost every community in Colorado. No decision of the Committee is made without the opportunity for comments from all of these individuals. No formal or informal opinion of the Committee is issued without concurrence and consideration by the entire Ethics Committee. Formal opinions are given on matters of general and continuing interest to the Bar. Informal opinions are given in response to specific inquiry but are of equal weight and binding effect as...