The legal profession is not just a career—it is a noble calling that demands integrity, responsibility, and adherence to the highest ethical standards. In Pakistan, the Canons of Professional Conduct and Etiquette of Advocates, issued by the Pakistan Bar Council, serve as a moral and professional compass for lawyers.
These canons define how an advocate should interact with clients, courts, and fellow lawyers, ensuring that justice is served with dignity and fairness. Whether you’re a law student, practicing lawyer, or someone interested in the legal system, understanding these professional standards is essential for maintaining public trust in the legal profession.
Section A – Conduct with regard to other Advocates
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What is the foremost duty of every advocate?
A) To earn maximum fees
B) To support political parties
C) To uphold the dignity and high standing of the profession
D) To criticize judicial officers
Correct Answer: C -
Advocates are prohibited from soliciting employment through:
A) Online job boards
B) Advertisements or any other means
C) Friends and family
D) Legal aid clinics
Correct Answer: B -
Which of the following is allowed for an advocate?
A) Publishing an advertisement in newspapers
B) Sharing client testimonials publicly
C) Using a professional card listing qualifications
D) Paying others for client referrals
Correct Answer: C -
Can an advocate share fees with a person who is not an advocate?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only with court permission
D) Only if disclosed to the Bar Council
Correct Answer: B -
Communication with a represented party is allowed only:
A) When the opposing party initiates it
B) In public places
C) With the consent of their advocate
D) During court breaks
Correct Answer: C -
Ex parte communication with a judge on a contested matter is:
A) Permissible
B) Encouraged
C) Strictly prohibited
D) Allowed only for junior advocates
Correct Answer: C -
Who decides whether a client can appoint additional advocates?
A) The judge
B) The first advocate
C) The opposing party
D) The client
Correct Answer: D -
Personal disputes between advocates during a trial:
A) Are normal
B) Should be avoided
C) Are encouraged
D) Must be reported to the judge
Correct Answer: B -
Fee division is only proper between advocates if based on:
A) Friendship
B) Experience level
C) A formal agreement based on division of work
D) Court order
Correct Answer: C -
Who has precedence in leading the case when multiple advocates are engaged?
A) The most vocal advocate
B) The junior advocate
C) The senior advocate
D) Chosen by the client
Correct Answer: C
Section B – Conduct with regard to Clients
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An advocate shall not acquire an interest adverse to the client:
A) After the case ends
B) During cross-examination
C) In the property or subject matter of the case
D) In unrelated property
Correct Answer: C -
An advocate is not allowed to represent a new client against a former client if:
A) The new client pays more
B) The former client has passed away
C) He possesses confidential information from the prior engagement
D) The prior case was criminal
Correct Answer: C -
Disclosure of relation with the adverse party is:
A) Optional
B) Encouraged
C) Mandatory before accepting professional employment
D) Prohibited
Correct Answer: C -
An advocate cannot represent:
A) Poor clients
B) High-profile cases
C) Conflicting interests
D) Corporate clients
Correct Answer: C -
An advocate shall not purchase property in a case:
A) For a third party
B) Where he appears as a party’s advocate
C) Before judgment
D) Without a court order
Correct Answer: B -
Mixing client’s money with personal money is known as:
A) Commingling
B) Delegating
C) Investing
D) Escrowing
Correct Answer: A -
An advocate must not advise initiation of a case unless:
A) His client insists
B) A friend is involved
C) He is consulted professionally
D) The issue is minor
Correct Answer: C -
Is an advocate allowed to advise violation of a law?
A) Yes, in criminal cases
B) Yes, if the client agrees
C) No, except when he believes the law is invalid in good faith
D) Always
Correct Answer: C -
Defending an accused person is the:
A) Advocate’s right
B) Judge’s responsibility
C) Police’s job
D) Prohibited for controversial cases
Correct Answer: A -
Fee structure should consider all of the following except:
A) Complexity of the case
B) Client’s wealth only
C) Customary charges
D) Value of services
Correct Answer: B -
Helping widows and orphans of advocates should be done:
A) Occasionally
B) If profitable
C) Free of charge
D) Only in civil cases
Correct Answer: C -
What should be avoided with clients regarding fees?
A) Charging low fees
B) Controversies
C) Giving receipts
D) Explaining terms
Correct Answer: B -
An advocate must never assert personal belief in:
A) Law books
B) Court decorum
C) Client’s innocence
D) Legal system
Correct Answer: C -
Advocates should act within:
A) Client’s instructions only
B) Bounds of the law
C) Public opinion
D) Judge’s mood
Correct Answer: B -
An advocate must obey:
A) His client’s wish at all times
B) His conscience, not the client’s
C) Police instructions
D) News media
Correct Answer: B -
When must an advocate leave the trial of a case to others?
A) If he’s late
B) If he is also a witness
C) If he dislikes the judge
D) Never
Correct Answer: B -
In incidental matters, the advocate’s conduct should reflect:
A) Client’s emotions
B) Public demand
C) His own sense of honour
D) Court’s budget
Correct Answer: C
Section C – Duty to the Court
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Respect towards the court is due to:
A) Fear of punishment
B) Importance of judicial office
C) Public pressure
D) Political interference
Correct Answer: B -
Judges deserve the support of advocates because:
A) They always favour lawyers
B) They are underpaid
C) They cannot defend themselves publicly
D) They give jobs to advocates
Correct Answer: C -
Proper legal redress against a judge is:
A) Prohibited
B) Allowed through legal channels
C) Only possible via media
D) Ignored in law
Correct Answer: B -
An advocate shall not advise a witness to:
A) Tell the truth
B) Conceal himself
C) Appear honestly
D) Testify voluntarily
Correct Answer: B -
Misquoting a statute to the court is:
A) Necessary sometimes
B) Acceptable for juniors
C) Professional misconduct
D) Part of argument
Correct Answer: C -
Citing an overruled decision as valid is permissible only if:
A) Judge accepts it
B) Disclosed that it is overruled
C) Not mentioned in public
D) Opponent agrees
Correct Answer: B
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When an advocate uses disrespectful language about a judge in an application, he is guilty of:
A) Rudeness
B) Disrespect
C) Professional misconduct
D) Legal error
Correct Answer: C -
If an advocate finds a decision not cited by the opponent that goes against his case, he should:
A) Ignore it
B) Inform the court
C) Hide it
D) Submit it later
Correct Answer: B -
The duty of an advocate to the court is based on:
A) Respect for law
B) Fear of contempt
C) Judicial power
D) Personal interest
Correct Answer: A -
An advocate should strive to maintain the court’s:
A) Popularity
B) Dignity and authority
C) Timetable
D) Fees schedule
Correct Answer: B -
An advocate must not interrupt court proceedings except to:
A) Challenge a witness
B) Get media attention
C) Raise a point of law
D) Talk to his client
Correct Answer: C -
An advocate must dress in a manner that is:
A) Fashionable
B) Respectful and in accordance with the Bar Council rules
C) Colourful and attractive
D) Casual during summer
Correct Answer: B -
An advocate should never mislead the court by:
A) Over-preparing
B) Citing repealed laws knowingly
C) Quoting the Constitution
D) Asking questions
Correct Answer: B -
Canons of Professional Conduct and Etiquette aim to maintain:
A) Lawyer’s fame
B) Balance of income
C) Professional integrity
D) Publicity
Correct Answer: C -
The rules governing advocates’ conduct are issued by:
A) Supreme Court
B) Pakistan Bar Council
C) Provincial Government
D) Local Police
Correct Answer: B -
Which of the following can result in disciplinary action against an advocate?
A) Late attendance
B) Charging reasonable fees
C) Conflict of interest
D) Studying law books
Correct Answer: C -
An advocate’s professional conduct must align with:
A) Political influence
B) Judicial expectations
C) Ethical principles and legal standards
D) Public opinion
Correct Answer: C -
Which of the following is a key objective of the Canons?
A) Client promotion
B) Advocate branding
C) Public confidence in legal profession
D) Social media growth
Correct Answer: C -
Failure to observe professional conduct may lead to:
A) Warning only
B) Disqualification or suspension
C) Appreciation
D) Client reward
Correct Answer: B -
Maintaining the confidence of the client and court is a:
A) Business strategy
B) Legal requirement
C) Religious duty
D) Social favour
Correct Answer: B -
If an advocate is found guilty of misconduct, who takes action?
A) Judge directly
B) Court police
C) Pakistan Bar Council Disciplinary Committee
D) FIA
Correct Answer: C -
An advocate’s relation with clients, courts, and fellow lawyers should reflect:
A) Strict hierarchy
B) Good manners and professional ethics
C) Aggressiveness
D) Social bonding
Correct Answer: B -
Advocates must discourage tactics that:
A) Increase their income
B) Promote litigation
C) Delay justice or mislead courts
D) Benefit the opposing party
Correct Answer: C