Ethics Rules Abused to Take Down Attorneys
There are several vague, broad, and arguably unconstitutional ethics rules that are predictably used
The American Bar Association drafts model Rules of Professional Conduct for state bars to adopt, so most of these rules are the same in every state.
Rule 8.2 (a)
A lawyer shall not make a statement that the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of a judge, adjudicatory officer or public legal officer, or of a candidate for election or appointment to judicial or legal office.
Rule 8.4(c)
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation. (Note: This often includes "crimes of moral turpitude," which can be "offenses that have no specific connection to fitness for the practice of law.")
Rule 8.4(d)
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Rule 8.4(g)
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to engage in conduct that the lawyer knows or reasonably should know is harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or socioeconomic status in conduct related to the practice of law.
Rule 3.1
A lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or controvert an issue therein, unless there is a basis in law and fact for doing so that is not frivolous, which includes a good faith argument for an extension, modification or reversal of existing law.
Rule 3.3(a)(1) & (3)
A lawyer shall not knowingly make a false statement of fact or law to a tribunal or fail to correct a false statement of material fact or law previously made to the tribunal by the lawyer, or offer evidence that the lawyer knows to be false.
