How to Be a Zealous Advocate without Zealotry

ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 8.2(a) prohibits a lawyer from "mak[ing] a statement that the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of a judge, adjudicatory officer or public legal officer, or of a candidate for election or appointment to judicial or legal office." Below are some considerations for a lawyer to bear in mind before criticizing any court's decision, whether in the course of representing a client or simply commenting generally about developments in the law.