Terms Used In Alabama Code 34-3-15

  • Attorney-at-law: A person who is legally qualified and licensed to practice law, and to represent and act for clients in legal proceedings.
  • following: means next after. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Oath: A promise to tell the truth.
  • oath: includes affirmation. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • United States: includes the territories thereof and the District of Columbia. See Alabama Code 1-1-1

Every attorney-at-law before being permitted to practice shall take the following oath or affirmation before an officer authorized to administer oaths:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will demean myself as an attorney, according to the best of my learning and ability, and with all good fidelity, as well to the court as to the client; that I will use no falsehood or delay any person‘s cause for lucre or malice and that I will support the Constitution of the State of Alabama and of the United States, so long as I continue a citizen thereof, so help me God.”

If any attorney commences practice before taking the oath as prescribed by this section, he or she forfeits the sum of $200, one half to the use of the person suing for the same and the other to the state.