The Filipino Bar Association of Northern California (“FBANC”) was formed in 1980 to provide Filipino and Filipino American lawyers and law students in Northern California with professional development and educational assistance.  Through the volunteer work of its members, FBANC offers  service programs, including regular free legal clinics, professional development programs for attorneys, and mentorship for law students and attorneys.  The organization also provides a voice for and advocates on behalf of Filipino American interests in various forums. 


FBANC is committed to being a welcoming, safe, supportive, and empowering organization that embraces its mission, reflects its values, and fosters a cohesive community among its members. FBANC recognizes and fully embraces the notion that high standards of personal and professional behavior—imbued with the principles of good character, honesty, integrity, mutual respect, and professional courtesy—promote a healthy spirit of community conducive to shared trust, mutual appreciation, and the collective well-being of its members and the organization as a whole. It is further understood and valued that, within and throughout FBANC, each person is to be respected regardless of that individual’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical appearance, disability, religious beliefs, political affiliation, and/or other group identity.


In adopting this Code of Conduct (“Code”), FBANC also acknowledges that behavior by a member contravening this Code may serve to undermine and bring unwarranted discredit to FBANC and its members, and should therefore not be tolerated. As part of this commitment, we require all FBANC members to observe and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior, including faithfully abiding by the laws, regulations, and rules applicable to the members’ profession (e.g., The State Bar of California Rules of Professional Conduct or the rules of professional conduct of the jurisdiction in which the member practices). 


Expectations:

FBANC expects each of its members to adhere to the following guiding principles:

  • Always act in a professional manner, being respectful, civil, and considerate of others;

  • Ensure FBANC endures as a welcoming, inclusive, supportive, and empowering organization; and

  • Hold oneself and other members accountable to this Code.


FBANC is committed to fostering a robust member community premised on the principles of self-respect and shared regard and genuine appreciation for fellow members. Therefore, FBANC prohibits:

  • Illegal, unethical, or dishonorable behavior in all FBANC matters;

  • Harassment, discrimination, ridicule, or bullying in any form at any time against any members;

  • Any activity or conduct that may jeopardize, undermine or compromise the safety, health, or well-being of oneself or others, or the good standing or reputation of FBANC; and

  • Retaliation against anyone who seeks advice from, raises a concern with, or makes a good-faith complaint of any nature against FBANC or any individual associated with FBANC.