Policy
Standard of Conduct of Members
A member is expected to display professional dignity and decorum when interacting with other members, Association employees and interns, and courthouse staff. This expectation extends to behavior toward staff and non-members at the Bar Association offices and Bar Association-sponsored events. Members shall avoid inappropriate conduct that potentially may expose the Association to liability or may harm the reputation of the Association.
Standard of Conduct FAQ
What standard of behavior is expected from members?
Members are expected to maintain professional dignity and decorum when interacting with:
- Other members
- Association employees and interns
- Courthouse staff
- Staff and non‑members at Bar Association offices
- Individuals at Bar Association–sponsored events
Members should avoid any conduct that could expose the Association to liability or harm its reputation.
Who may file a complaint?
Complaints may be submitted by:
- Other members
- Association employees and interns
- Courthouse staff
- Staff and non‑members if an incident occurred at Bar Association offices
- Individuals at Bar Association–sponsored events if an incident occurred
What types of conduct are considered inappropriate?
Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to:
Theft or misuse of Association property
This includes stealing, damaging, defacing, or using Association property in an improper or unauthorized manner.
Unwelcome sexual conduct
This covers unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward another member or employee that is offensive to the recipient.
Hostile or intimidating behavior
Any verbal or physical behavior that shows hostility toward another person* and that a reasonable person would find intimidating, threatening, or offensive.
Persons included in this policy are:
- Other members
- Association employees and interns
- Courthouse staff
- Staff and non‑members at Bar Association offices
- Individuals at Bar Association–sponsored events
Criminal activity
The commission of any crime is considered a violation of the Standards of Conduct, if it impacts a person included in this policy.
Do these standards apply only during official meetings?
No. These expectations apply at all times when engaging in any Association‑related activity, including:
- At Association offices
- During Association‑sponsored events
- When interacting with Association staff, interns, or members
Why are these standards important?
The Standards of Conduct are designed to:
- Protect the reputation of the Association
- Provide a safe, respectful environment for all members and staff
- Reduce the risk of liability to the Association
- Uphold the professionalism expected within the legal community
What happens if a member violates these standards?
Violations may result in action by the Association, which can vary depending on the severity of the conduct and the governing procedures established by the organization.
Complaints
Complaint Information
The Franklin County Bar Association has established the Standard of Conduct Committee to investigate complaints concerning member conduct.
Complaints of inappropriate conduct shall be in writing, using the Personal Conduct Incident Report form available from the Executive Director of the Association. Complaints shall be delivered to the Executive Director within sixty (60) business days of the incident. Any questions, please call 717-267-2032.