Research Paper: How the mandate to be above reproach would affect an attorney's
Obligations of professionalism?
Megan Boisvert (Stumpner)
College of Arts & Sciences, Liberty University
GOVT 325: Legal Ethics
Dr. Beth Wade
July 4, 2025
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How the mandate to be above reproach would affect an attorney’s obligations
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Introduction
The legal profession demands more than technical expertise. It requires character, integrity, and
a consistent commitment to justice. For Christian attorneys, these expectations are even greater
as they take on added Scripture and powerful moral principles. God's call to be "above
reproach" is stated in Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6-9. 1 Timothy 3.2 states, "Therefore, an overseer
must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable,
hospitable, able to teach." Titus 1:8-9 states, "Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves
what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the
trustworthy message as it has been taught so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine
and refute those who oppose it." When applied to legal ethics, this scriptural mandate becomes
a powerful lens through which to evaluate professional conduct.
Defining "Above Reproach
The above reproach" is defined as being blameless or without fault in one's actions. The concept
is more profound than the absence of wrongdoing. To be above reproach is to be beyond
credible and not a claim to moral perfection but to commit to living life with integrity and
consistency. In the Bible, "above reproach" is used to describe leaders who hold positions of
responsibility and authority, and biblical leaders are expected to follow the rules and
incorporate the values behind them. Attorneys mostly serve as intermediaries between the
justice system and the public. The Lawyer's actions, words, and decisions often take precedence
for the benefit of their clients, but for the greater perception of justice. A single instance of
misconduct can affect the trust of the public and the profession itself. For a Christian attorney to
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How the mandate to be above reproach would affect an attorney’s obligations
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be above reproach should not be a goal, but a requirement, and it entails consistency in both
their private and public life. The Lawyer should take accountability in all relationships and serve
others with integrity.
The concept of being above reproach aligns with the idea of professionalism, which highlights
codes, rules, and best practices. The Bible requires something more profound, involving the
internalization of these standards as moral conviction and spiritual trust. The difference
between being in compliance and having commitment is doing the right thing. When a Christian
attorney embraces the call to be above reproach, they bring an additional potential of
intentionality and excellence to their profession.
The Model Rules of Professional Conduct
The Model Rules of Professional Conduct are a set of legal ethics rules founded by the American
Bar Association in 1983 (American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct).
They were adopted by the ABA House of Delegates to replace the earlier 1969 Code of
Professional Responsibility. The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct provide the ethical
foundation for lawyers who practice law in the United States (American Bar Association's Model
Rules of Professional Conduct).
Rule 1.1 concerns the attorney's competence, and Rule 1.4 covers communication with clients.
Model Rule 1.1 states: "A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. For a
lawyer to be Competent, the representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness,
and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation" (ABA, 2023). Rule 1.1 is
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How the mandate to be above reproach would affect an attorney’s obligations
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important; without competence, the Lawyer cannot fulfill the duties that are owed to the client
or the court.
This rule sets the foundational expectation for legal practice. An incompetent lawyer can
destroy a case, mislead a client, or render justice impossible. Competence means understanding
the applicable law, identifying the relevant facts, preparing arguments thoroughly, and adapting
to changes in legal precedent or client circumstances.
Professional competence also demands lifelong learning. The law evolves constantly—through
statutory changes, judicial interpretations, and societal developments. A lawyer must commit to
continued education, whether through formal continuing legal education or self-directed study.
What distinguishes the Christian approach to competence is the motive and mindset. For the
Christian attorney, competence is not merely about reputation or avoiding malpractice. It is a
form of stewardship—a faithful use of the gifts, knowledge, and opportunities God has given. As
Scripture says in Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for
men." Competence, then, becomes an act of worship and moral responsibility (Christian
perspectives on legal thought: McConnell, Michael W., Cochran Jr., Robert F., Carmella, Angela
C.: 9780274740376: Amazon.com: Books).
Model Rule 1.4 addresses an attorney's duty to communicate with their clients. The Lawyer
should inform their client of decisions or circumstances requiring their informed consent,
consult with the client about the means of achieving their objectives, and keep the client
reasonably informed about the status of their case. The Lawyer should also comply with any
reasonable requests from the client for information on their case and explain matters in a way
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How the mandate to be above reproach would affect an attorney’s obligations
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that the client can understand so that they can make informed decisions about their case. (ABA,
2023). Rule 1.4 ensures that clients remain actively involved in their legal proceedings. The rules
cover clarity, promptness, and thoroughness of the importance of communication. The role of
lawyers beyond compliance suggests that legal practice is a noble calling tied to the public good.
Communication is foundational to trust. When clients are left uninformed, they feel
disrespected and powerless. Moreover, miscommunication can lead to uninformed consent,
strategic errors, and even malpractice. Rule 1.4 reinforces the idea that clients are not passive
participants in legal proceedings; they are active collaborators who deserve clarity, honesty, and
access.
From a Christian worldview, communication is more than a transactional necessity—it is a moral
expression of respect and love (Faith in the Law 2022). The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the
importance of truthful, clear, and compassionate communication. Ephesians 4:25 instructs
believers to "speak the truth," and James 1:19 urges people to be "quick to hear, slow to speak,
and slow to anger." For the Christian attorney, Rule 1.4 aligns with these values, creating a
professional framework that mirrors spiritual discipline
Other Biblical Scriptures
Romans 12:11 (ESV)
"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
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How the mandate to be above reproach would affect an attorney’s obligations
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Diligence is a spiritual virtue and an attorney who shows commitment, urgency, and care in
legal representation reflects godly love, not just professionalism. This verse encourages
promptness and wholehearted service, both key to Rule 1.3.
Proverbs 13:4 (NIV)
"A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."
Diligence has fruitful outcomes that is spiritually and professionally. A Christian lawyer should
work actively and persistently in their duties, not carelessly or inconsistently.
Colossians 3:23–24 (ESV)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord
you will receive the inheritance as your reward."
This passage speaks directly to motivation. The diligent attorney sees their effort not just as
serving a client or employer but as a spiritual service to God. Diligence rooted in divine purpose
produces trustworthy representation.
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Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do
not give up."
Diligence also involves perseverance, especially when legal matters become difficult or
discouraging. Rule 1.3 expects persistence—and this verse reinforces the Christian call to keep
going in righteousness.
Legal Precedent and Disciplinary Actions
Lawyers can face consequences in legal precedent when attorneys fall short of competence and
communication standards. There are three cases where attorneys have faced consequences for
not being competent. The case in the matter of Shorter, 570 A.2d 760 (D.C. 1990), from the
District of Columbia Court of Appeals demonstrates the importance of a lawyer's duty of
competence, even when no intent is present. The principle is that failure to adequately research
and apply proper legal principles in representing a client in a criminal appeal can constitute a
violation of Rule 1.1 (Matter of shorter). This case contravenes the duty of competence (Rule
1.1), which requires attorneys to provide competent representation that includes the necessary
legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation. The court ruled that the attorney's failure
to investigate the legal basis for the client's claim adequately was a violation of Rule 1.1.
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In the Matter of Krueger, 611 N.W.2d 737 (Wis. 2000), the Lawyer failed to verify recent
statutory changes and applied outdated legal principles, resulting in a negative outcome for the
client. The court ruled that the Lawyer failed in their professional responsibility under Rule 1.1
[1]. Rule 1.1 of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys states
that a lawyer must provide competent representation, which includes possessing the necessary
legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation. This case serves as a reminder that
attorneys have an ethical duty to stay current with changes in the law. This includes staying up
to date with statutory updates and participating in ongoing legal education. Failure to do so can
result in disciplinary action against the attorney (Findlaw's Wisconsin Court of Appeals Case and
opinions). The Wisconsin Supreme Court stated that to maintain the required knowledge and
skill, a lawyer should keep up with changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits
and risks associated with technology, engage in continuing study and education, and comply
with all continuing legal education requirements. Wisconsin requires attorneys to complete 30
hours of continuing legal education every two years, with a minimum of 3 hours dedicated to
legal ethics and professional responsibility.
In the case Attorney Grievance Commission v. Agbaje, 62 A.3d 736, The attorney failed to return
client phone calls and did not update clients about the status of their cases. The court ruled and
suspended the attorney's license, citing multiple violations of Rule 1.4 (Attorney Grievance
Commission of Maryland v. Taiwo A.). This case illustrates the importance of effective
communication, as failure to communicate with the client can not only harm the client's
relationship with their Lawyer but can lead to serious professional consequences (Attorney
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Grievance Commission of Maryland v. Taiwo A.). A lawyer striving to maintain their integrity
must prioritize consistent and transparent communication.
How the Mandate to Be Above Reproach Shapes Attorney Conduct
The rules and cases above establish a baseline. But the biblical mandate to be above reproach
calls for something greater than the minimum—it demands excellence born from integrity.
Below are ways this mandate reshapes how Christian attorneys approach both competence and
communication. Christian attorneys view each case as an opportunity to serve justice and glorify
God. They avoid overextending their caseload, knowing that rushed or superficial work
dishonors both the client and the Lord. They are quick to seek guidance or refer cases when
they lack expertise, understanding that humility honors God more than prideful pretense. They
pursue excellence in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy—not for accolades but as an act
of stewardship. Christian lawyers speak truthfully and clearly, even when the message is
difficult. They check in regularly with clients, not out of obligation but out of concern. They
return calls promptly, seeing every message not as a task but a person made in God's image.
They avoid manipulation or vague language that obscures risk. In both competence and
communication, being above reproach means going beyond what is required to what is
righteous.
Conclusion
The legal profession is filled with ethical pitfalls. The pressure to win, the allure of prestige, and
the temptation to prioritize profit over people can lead even well-meaning attorneys to
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How the mandate to be above reproach would affect an attorney’s obligations
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compromise. The biblical mandate to be above reproach stands as a counter-cultural call—a call
to integrity, humility, and truth in every detail of professional life.
For the Christian attorney, competence is not just about passing the bar or winning cases. It is
about being a faithful steward of the mind and skills God has given. Communication is not just
about managing clients—it is about respecting people, building trust, and bearing witness to
the God of truth.
To fulfill the call to be above reproach, Christian attorneys must:
•Commit to lifelong learning and preparation.
•Embrace humility and seek help when needed.
•Speak honestly and listen compassionately.
•View their legal work as sacred, not just secular.
In doing so, they honor both their profession and their faith, bearing witness to a better kind of
justice, one shaped not only by law but by love.
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Resources
Access your Bible from anywhere. BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150
versions and 50 languages. (n.d.). https:// www.biblegateway.com/
American Bar Association. (2023). Model Rules of Professional Conduct.
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/
model_rules_of_professional_conduct/
American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional... (n.d.-c). http://www.pacl
ii.org/fm/rules/prof_conduct_rules/mropc343.pdf
Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland v. Taiwo A. ... (n.d.-d).
http s://www.mdcourts.gov/data/opinions/coa/2014/87a12ag.pdf
Christian perspectives on legal thought: McConnell, Michael W., Cochran Jr., Robert F., Carmella,
Angela C.: 9780274740376: Amazon.com: Books. (n.d.-e).
https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Perspectives-Thought-Michael-McConnell/dp/
0300087500
Faith in the law. Harvard Law School. (2022a, August 16). https://hls.harvard.edu/today/faith-
in the-law/
Findlaw's Wisconsin Court of Appeals cases and opinions. (n.d.-e).
https:// caselaw.findlaw.com/wi-court-of-appeals/1386506.html
Legal Information Institute. (n.d.-a). Model rules of professional conduct. Legal Information
Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/model_rules_of_professional_conduct
Matter of shorter. Justia Law. (n.d.) https://law.justia.com/cases/district-of-columbia/court-
of appeals/1990/85-1745-4.html
Zitrin, R., & Mohr, K. E. (2023). Legal Ethics: Rules, Statutes, and Comparisons, 2023 Edition.
Carolina Academic Press. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781531020637
Lieberman, H. R. (2022, April 20). New rules for attorney disciplinary matters: Formal
proceedings. Legal Ethics. https://www.nylegalethics.attorney/new-rules-
attorney disciplinary-matters-formal-proceedings/
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Model rules of professional conduct - table of contents. (n.d.-d).
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/
model_rules_of_professional_conduct/
model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/
