CODE OF CONDUCT OF IABA MEMBERS
The Irish American Bar Association of San Diego’s (IABA) policy is to maintain and promote high standards of integrity by requiring its members to conduct themselves professionally, honestly, and ethically. Each member must act with integrity and observe the highest ethical standards of conduct in his or her dealings within the legal profession and within the IABA and at its events. No member may misrepresent or conceal facts relevant to the proper functioning of the IABA or the reputation of the IABA. In sum, IABA members are expected to conduct themselves responsibly in their personal lives, responsibly and professionally in their work, and responsibly and professionally as IABA members.
1. Any IABA member who either (1) is charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense involving dishonesty, (2) is charged with any felony offense, or (3) has his or her federal or state bar license suspended, must within seven days notify the IABA Board of such charges or suspension. Failure to do so shall result in automatic termination from IABA membership absent extenuating circumstances as determined by a majority vote of the Board. If the member does provide proper notice, the member must tender his or her temporary resignation as an IABA member, which membership will be suspended while such criminal charges are pending or for the duration of the suspension (as applicable).
2. If the misdemeanor criminal offense involving dishonesty, or any felony offense, results in a conviction, such IABA member’s suspension will convert to termination, and the member is automatically terminated as a member of the IABA.
3. If the misdemeanor criminal offense involving dishonesty, or any felony offense, does not result in a conviction, the IABA Board shall determine by a majority vote whether or not such member may be reinstated as a member.
4. If an IABA member has his or her federal or state bar license revoked, after suspension or otherwise, the member is terminated as IABA member effective immediately upon his or her license being revoked.
5. If the IABA member does not have his or her federal or state bar license revoked after suspension, the IABA Board shall determine by a majority vote whether or not such member may be reinstated as a member.
Other conduct that may subject the member to termination or suspension from the IABA, at the sole discretion of the Board, includes but is not limited to, and whether or not charged:
Engaging in fraud; stealing or attempting to steal IABA property; sexual harassment at an IABA event; drug or alcohol abuse at an IABA event; engaging in criminal activity; engaging in unprofessional conduct.
Otherwise engaging in unprofessional conduct, or conduct that impugns the reputation of the IABA, or that brings the IABA into disrepute, including, without limitation, social media conduct and publications.