What is the primary purpose of the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct?

The primary purpose of the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct is to regulate the professional conduct of lawyers. These rules are designed to provide a framework that governs the ethical behavior of attorneys in their practice, ensuring that they adhere to standards of professionalism, integrity, and competence. By establishing guidelines for how lawyers should conduct themselves, the rules serve to protect the legal profession's reputation and uphold the public’s trust in the legal system.

While outlining client rights, establishing fees, and ensuring fair competition are important aspects of legal practice, they fall under broader categories of legal ethics and business practices rather than being the main focus of the rules themselves. The Rules of Professional Conduct specifically address the duties lawyers owe to their clients, the courts, and the legal profession, making the regulation of professional conduct their central aim. This helps maintain a high standard of professional integrity among lawyers, which is essential for the effective functioning of the legal system.