Rechtspanorama – “Klartext ist Recht und Pflicht”

When does vigorous advocacy cross the line into a careless remark that damages a lawyers reputation?

In her latest Rechtspanorama column for the Rechtsanwaltskammer Wien (Vienna Bar), our partner Bettina Knoetzl draws the line between freedom of speech and professional duty.
The Rules of Professional Conduct grant attorneys not only the right, but also the duty, to give it their all. Austrian law (§ 9 (1) RAO) requires lawyers to conduct their cases in accordance with the law and to defend their clients’ rights against anyone with zeal, loyalty, and diligence – authorized to present, without reservation, everything useful under the law, and to employ every lawful means of attack and defense. No timid evasion, but zeal is required.