PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND CODE OF ETHICS

  • A member of the AACFL, including associate members, members who have earned the CFL designation and student members must adhere to the organization’s professional standards. Members must adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards and must agree to abide by the Code of Professional Standards of the AACFL.
  • The AACFL is an Association of professionals committed to enhancing the legal profession through advanced financial education. Members of the association pledge themselves to act with integrity, to perform their work in a professional manner and to make every reasonable attempt to increase the efficiency of the legal system through accurate financial representations
  • A member or credential holder shall, at all times, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the legal profession.
  • A member shall not, under any circumstances, make false or misleading statements to any Court.
  • A member or credential holder shall not engage in any illegal or unethical conduct, or any activity that would constitute a conflict of interest.
  • A member or credential holder shall, at all times, make every effort to utilize the organization’s financial training to reduce unnecessary litigation (court time) and to reduce the
    number of trials on financial matters.
  • A member or credential holder shall, at all times, exhibit the highest level of integrity in the performance of all professional assignments.
  • A member or credential holder shall continually strive to increase the competence and effectiveness of professional services performed under his or her direction.
  • A member or credential holder shall conduct themselves with integrity, knowing that public trust is founded on integrity. A member or credential holder shall not sacrifice integrity to serve their client or their employer.
  • A member or credential holder shall not commit acts discreditable to the AACFL or its membership, and shall always conduct themselves in the best interests of the reputation of the profession.
  • CFLs shall continually strive to increase the competence and effectiveness of their professional services.

  • A member or credential holder shall maintain the minimum program of continuing professional education required by the AACFL. A commitment to professionalism combining education and experience shall continue throughout the member or credential holder’s professional career.
  • A member or credential holder shall exercise due professional care in the performance of their services.
  • All work performed by assistants and other professionals operating under a CFL’s direction shall be adequately supervised.
  • A member or credential holder is required to make a commitment to being intellectually honest and impartial in all representations made to the Court and to clients. A member will always be objective.
  • A member or credential holder will always support our profession and the AACFL as the main driving force behind the progress of the profession. Additionally, a CFL professional will not collude, debase or discredit the AACFL or the profession.
  • CFL candidates must develop their theoretical and practical understanding and knowledge of the financial aspects of litigation by completing a comprehensive course of study approved by the AACFL.
  • CFL candidates must complete the CFL Certification Exam that tests their understanding and knowledge of the financial aspects of litigation.
  • CFL practitioners are required to maintain technical competence and to fulfill ethical obligations. Practitioners must pay an annual reinstatement fee as listed on the AACFL website.
  • In addition to the biennial continuing education requirement, all CFL practitioners must voluntarily mentor any other members in order to encourage the growth of a collaborative legal community dedicated to reducing avoidable financial litigation.
  • A member or credential holder agrees to adhere to the rules of Professional Conduct as established by the American Bar Association.