I. Preamble
Loyola University New Orleans College of Law is committed to forming lawyers who demonstrate competence, integrity, and a deep respect for the dignity of others. Legal education is not limited to the acquisition of knowledge; it is the beginning of entry into a learned profession whose members serve clients, courts, and the broader community.
As a Jesuit institution, Loyola emphasizes the development of the whole person. Students are therefore expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the highest standards of professionalism, recognizing that their actions reflect not only on themselves, but also on the legal profession and the Loyola community.
These Standards are not intended to restrict the exchange of ideas or discourage disagreement. Students are free to express strongly held views and to engage in rigorous debate. Rather, these Standards reflect the expectation that such engagement will occur in a manner consistent with the standards of the legal profession. The ability to advocate effectively while exercising sound professional judgment is an essential component of legal training.
II. Core Professional Values
Students of the College of Law are expected to embody the following principles:
Integrity: Honesty in all academic and professional endeavors, including candor in communications and submissions.
Respect for Others: Civility, professionalism, and respect toward fellow students, faculty, staff, clients, and members of the public.
Accountability: Responsibility for one’s actions and adherence to institutional and professional standards.
Diligence and Reliability: Preparation, punctuality, and follow-through in academic and professional commitments.
Professional Judgment: The exercise of sound discretion consistent with the standards of the legal profession.
These values are not exhaustive, but illustrative of the expectations placed upon students as future members of the bar.
III. Standards of Professional Conduct
A. Academic and Classroom Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in all academic settings. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Being prepared for class and engaging in good-faith participation;
- Demonstrating respect for differing viewpoints and contributing to a constructive learning environment;
- Communicating with faculty and classmates in a professional and courteous manner;
- Complying with all applicable policies governing academic integrity.
Professionalism in the classroom reflects the habits and discipline required of practicing attorneys.
B. Professional Settings (Clinics, Externships, and Experiential Learning)
In clinical programs, externships, and other experiential settings, students act in a representative capacity and are expected to meet the standards of the legal profession. Students must:
- Conduct themselves with honesty, reliability, and professionalism in all interactions;
- Respect confidentiality and the sensitive nature of client and case information;
- Follow the rules, expectations, and supervisory guidance of the placement or program;
- Recognize that their conduct reflects on the College of Law and the legal profession.
C. Interpersonal Conduct and Community Expectations
Students are expected to treat all members of the Loyola community with dignity and respect. Conduct inconsistent with professionalism includes, but is not limited to:
- Disruptive, disrespectful, or uncivil behavior in academic or professional settings;
- Harassing, discriminatory, or demeaning conduct;
- Conduct that undermines the integrity of the academic or professional environment.
Professionalism requires the ability to engage in disagreement without disrespect and to maintain civility in all interactions.
D. Communications and Professional Presentation
Students are expected to communicate in a manner consistent with professional standards, including in written, electronic, and oral communications. This includes:
- Using appropriate tone and formality in communications with faculty, administrators, and professional contacts;
- Exercising care in digital communications, including email and online platforms;
- Presenting oneself in a manner appropriate to the academic or professional setting.
E. Conduct Beyond the Classroom
Students are members of both the Loyola community and the legal profession-in-training. Accordingly, conduct outside of the classroom may implicate professionalism where it:
- Reflects adversely on a student’s fitness for the practice of law;
- Undermines the integrity or reputation of the College of Law; or
- Is inconsistent with the standards expected of future attorneys.
IV. Relationship to Other Policies
These Professionalism Standards complement, but do not replace, the College of Law’s Honor Code and the University’s Code of Conduct. Violations of those policies may also constitute violations of these Standards.
V. Commitment to Professionalism
By enrolling in the College of Law, students accept the responsibility to uphold these Standards and to contribute to a community grounded in integrity, respect, and professionalism.
VI. Compliance and Professional Responsibility
Students are expected to adhere to these Professionalism Standards in both letter and spirit. Students, faculty, and staff who observe conduct inconsistent with these Standards may submit a professionalism concern to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
The Associate Dean shall review and investigate such concerns and, based on the nature and severity of the conduct, may impose appropriate measures, including but not limited to a written censure, the placement of a Character and Fitness letter in the student’s file (which may be disclosed in connection with bar admission), or limitations on participation in student activities, organizations, or other programs.
In reviewing professionalism concerns, the Associate Dean will provide the student accused of violating these Professionalism Standards with notice of the concern and an opportunity to respond before any determination is made. These Standards are intended to operate in a manner consistent with principles of fairness and professional development and do not create a formal adjudicatory process. Matters that may warrant formal disciplinary action will be referred and resolved pursuant to the Honor Code or other applicable University procedures, including any rights of review or appeal provided therein.