I will not knowingly misrepresent, mischaracterize, misquote or miscite facts or authorities to gain an advantage.

Full Quote from the Texas Lawyer's Creed
“I will not knowingly misrepresent, mischaracterize, misquote or miscite facts or authorities to gain an advantage."

C.S. Lewis was quoted as saying that "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching."  There are unlimited opportunities within our profession to bend the facts of a case in an attempt to zealously advocate for a client.  However, zealous advocacy can only be properly achieved by maintaining the integrity and honesty that our profession demands.  We are all well trained in utilizing our vocabulary to best paint a picture of our client, while demonizing the behavior of our opposing party.  However, there becomes a point where verbosity inevitably turns to misrepresentation. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts ultimately demeans the bar, enrages the bench and irreparably harms the client.  Our profession and our individual reputations are best served by providing a concise, accurate and well informed representation of our client's position in each case, whether to the bench or to opposing counsel.  Every attorney has been faced with the challenge of representing a client that has the "bad facts," but it is up to the lawyer to encourage that client to proactively correct the situation with honesty rather than relying on subterfuge and mendacity.  

Submitted by Jamie L. Taylor, Attorney at Law
Fort Worth, Texas