Research Paper on Above Reproach
GOVT 325,
May 10, 2019
, Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to research and analyze how to mandate to be above reproach
would affect an attorney’s obligations of professionalism, specifically regarding Model Rules
that govern attorney’s client communication and attorney’s expertise. To begin to research
properly we must first understand what it means to be above reproach. An article posted by
Challies.com and written by Tim Challies stated that “It means that no one can legitimately
rebuke you or make any charges against you that will stick. They may accuse, but your conduct
will eventually acquit you by proving you blameless (“blameless” being a far more common
translation than “above reproach”).”1 We must also understand what the purpose of The Model
Rules of Professional Conduct are meant to do. The American Bar Association Model Rules are a
set of rules that govern the behavior and actions of attorneys to ensure all parties involved are
protected while promoting justice. Attorneys must always maintain professionalism regardless of
the circumstances. The issue arises when the mandate to be above reproach affects the attorney’s
obligations. For an attorney to be above reproach he or she must approach situations both
ethically and morally. For Christian attorneys incorporating the principles addressed in the ABA
Model Rules as well as the Biblical principles set forth to us by God, an attorney will have the
best opportunity to maintain himself or herself above reproach. In this paper I will also review
ABA Model Rules I believe are critical in maintaining the attorney above reproach.
Model Rule 1.1: Competence
A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation
requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the
representation.2 In determining whether a lawyer employs the requisite knowledge and skill in a
GOVT 325,
May 10, 2019
, Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to research and analyze how to mandate to be above reproach
would affect an attorney’s obligations of professionalism, specifically regarding Model Rules
that govern attorney’s client communication and attorney’s expertise. To begin to research
properly we must first understand what it means to be above reproach. An article posted by
Challies.com and written by Tim Challies stated that “It means that no one can legitimately
rebuke you or make any charges against you that will stick. They may accuse, but your conduct
will eventually acquit you by proving you blameless (“blameless” being a far more common
translation than “above reproach”).”1 We must also understand what the purpose of The Model
Rules of Professional Conduct are meant to do. The American Bar Association Model Rules are a
set of rules that govern the behavior and actions of attorneys to ensure all parties involved are
protected while promoting justice. Attorneys must always maintain professionalism regardless of
the circumstances. The issue arises when the mandate to be above reproach affects the attorney’s
obligations. For an attorney to be above reproach he or she must approach situations both
ethically and morally. For Christian attorneys incorporating the principles addressed in the ABA
Model Rules as well as the Biblical principles set forth to us by God, an attorney will have the
best opportunity to maintain himself or herself above reproach. In this paper I will also review
ABA Model Rules I believe are critical in maintaining the attorney above reproach.
Model Rule 1.1: Competence
A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation
requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the
representation.2 In determining whether a lawyer employs the requisite knowledge and skill in a
