Advisory opinions interpret the Rules of Professional Conduct or any of the grounds for disciplinary actions as applied to a given statement of facts. Advisory opinions address prospective conduct.
The Formal Advisory Opinion Board, created by order of the Supreme Court of Georgia in May 1986, is authorized to draft formal advisory opinions concerning the proper interpretation of the Rules of Professional Conduct or any of the grounds for disciplinary action as applied to a given state of facts, as set forth in Bar Rule 4-403. Current conduct, such as matters before a tribunal, are not proper subjects for a formal advisory opinion.
Rule 4-402. The Formal Advisory Opinion Board
Rule 4-403. Formal Advisory Opinions
Rule 4-404. Immunity
Internal Rules - Formal Advisory Opinion Board
The Office of the General Counsel of the State Bar of Georgia is authorized to render informal advisory opinions concerning the Office of the General Counsel’s interpretation of the Rules of Professional Conduct or any of the grounds for disciplinary action as applied to a given state of facts, as set forth in Bar Rule 4-401.
Lawyers who would like to discuss an ethics dilemma with a member of the Office of the General Counsel staff should contact the Ethics Helpline at 404-527-8741, 800-682-9806 or log in and submit your question by email. Members of the public who believe that a Georgia lawyer has violated the rules of ethics should contact the Bar's Client Assistance Program at 800-334-6865.
Answers to frequently asked questions regarding Ethics.
The Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) program addresses the investigation and prosecution of UPL in Georgia.