The word ETHICS is derived from the Greek word ETHOS (Character) and from the Latin words MORES (Customs) Professional Ethics means a standard of behavior expected from professionals. Professionals are capable of making judgment, applying their skill and reaching informed decision in situation that the general public cannot because they have not attained the necessary knowledge and skill.

But it is sad truth becoming more and more apparent that our profession has seen a steady decline by casting aside established traditions and canons of professional ethics that evolved over centuries. The fact is that lawyers have been on the nose" for a long time now. Part of these can be explained by the facts that the client sees the lawyer as the "Means of Justice" and so if they lose a case - be it Criminal or Civil - the lawyer and the systems are very easy target of blame. It is also the case that the lawyer has divided loyalties -owning a duty to the court while at the same time owning a duty to the client. On occasion these duties will be in conflict. For this the Legal Ethics comes in. A commitment of legal ethics involves a commitment to the introduction of code of ethics or standard of professional practice. The section 49 (1) (c) of the Advocate's Act 1961 empower the Bar Council of India to make a rule so as to prescribe the standards of professional conduct and etiquette to be observed by the Advocate. It has been made clear that such rule shall have only when they are approved by the Chief Justice of India. It has been made clear that any rules made in relation to the standard of Professional Ethics to be observed by the Advocate and in force before the commencement of the Advocate (Amended) Act 1973 shall continue in force until alternated or replaced or amendment. In accordance with the provision of this act. The bar council of India made a rule on professional standards regarding an advocate's duty towards the court:

  1. Act in a dignified manner.
  2. Respect the court.
  3. Not communicate in private.
  4. Refuse to act in an illegal manner towards the opposition
  5. Refuse to represent client who insist on unfairness.
  6. Appear in a proper dress code.
  7. Refuse to appear in front of relations.
  8. Not to wear band and gown in public places.
  9. Not to represent establishment of which he is a member.
  10. Not to appear in matters of pecuniary interest.
  11. Not stand as surety for client.

Bar Council of India also made rules on advocate's duty towards the client :

  1. Bound to accept briefs.
  2. Not withdraw from service.
  3. Not appear in a matter where he himself is a witness.
  4. Full frank discloser the client.
  5. Uphold interest of the client.
  6. Not suppress material or evidence.
  7. Not disclose the communication between client and himself and advocate should not be a party to stir-up or instigate litigation.
  8. An advocate should not act on the instructions of any person other than his client or the clients authorize agent.
  9. Not charge depending on success of matter.
  10. Not receive interest in auctionable claim.
  11. Not bid or purchase property arising of legal proceeding.
  12. Not bid or transfer property arising of legal proceeding.
  13. Not adjust fee against personal liability.
  14. An advocate should not misuse or take advantage of the confidence reposed in him by his client.
  15. Keep proper accounts.
  16. Not divert money from his accounts.
  17. Intimate the client on amounts.
  18. Adjust fee after termination of proceeding.
  19. Provide copy of accounts.
  20. An advocate shall not enter into arrangements whereby fund in his hands are converted into loan.
  21. Not lend money to his client.
  22. Not appear for opposite party.

Bar Council of India has also explain the rules on advocate's duty towards opponents -

  1. Not to negotiate directly with opp. party.
  2. carry out legitimate promises made.

The Bar Council of India has also made rules an an advocates duty towards fellow advocates -

  1. Not advertise or solicit work.
  2. Make a sign board and name plate in a reasonable size.
  3. Not promote unauthorized practice of law.
  4. An advocate shall not accept fee less than the fee which can be tested under rules when the client is able to pay more,
  5. Consent the fellow advocate to appear.

The lawyers are integral to the working out of the law and the rules of law itself are found on principle of justice, fairness and equity. If the lawyers do not adhere and promote this ethical principle then the law will fall into this disrepute and people will resort to alternative means of resolving conflict. The rules of law will frame with a rise of public discontent. The challenge before the legal profession is to resolve the basic paradoxes which it faces, to re-organize itself in such a way as to provide more effective real and afforded access to legal advice and representation by ordinary citizen. To preserve and where necessary to defame the best of the owned rules requiring honesty fidelity, loyalty, diligence, competence and compassion in the service of the clients, admittedly the lawyers are officer of the court and therefore have an obligation to serve the court and the administration of justice. Hence, because lawyers are a privileged class for only lawyer can, for reward, take on the cause of others and bring them before the court and provide in-discriminate justice to all citizens.