The Bankruptcy Lawyers Rules of the Road
O. Max Gardner III

1. Falsehood to yourself or to your clients. Never do anything to compromise your integrity. And, never work for (or with) anyone you do not trust.
2. Falsehood to the Court. No further explanation necessary.
3. Condescension to the Court or your adversary or your client or the creditor's representative.
4. Condescension to witnesses or parties. In short, don't be a bully to witnesses, court personnel, or your colleagues.
5. Sharp practice and trickery, to the Court and your opponents. Strike hard blows, but not foul ones.
6. Wasting the time of the Court. Five witnesses instead of one; heedless, needless repetition-violating the principle of parsimony and failure to always follow the KISS Principle (Keep It Simple Stupid).
7. Unpreparedness. Inexperience can be excused. But not knowing the facts of your case will do you in every time. Know the facts and know the law, period.
8. Assuming the Bankruptcy Judge knows as much about your case as you do.
9. Trust your clients but always independently verify the facts. And, treat your clients with the same dignity and respect that you would expect if you were in their shoes.
10. Trust your instincts, they are usually correct.
11. Always return debtors' calls as soon as possible; do not keep a debtor in your waiting room for an hour without a very good explanation; confirm everything in writing on a debtor's case (by note to file, memo or letter); be sure you have the debtor's authority to take any action in his or her behalf; and, never do anything to prejudice a debtor.