Anka

*1117 It is axiomatic that an attorney must represent a client to the best of his or her ability. The attorney owes a duty to that client to present the case with vigor in a manner as favorable to the client as the rules of law and professional ethics permit. But besides being an advocate to advance the interest of the client, the attorney is also an officer of the court. (See Bus. & Prof. Code, § 6067 ; Norton v. Hines (1975) 49 Cal.App.3d 917 , 922, 123 Cal.Rptr. 237 .)

California Rules of Court, rule 9.7, pertaining to the oath required when an attorney is admitted to practice law, concludes with, " 'As an officer of the court, I will strive to conduct myself at all times with dignity, courtesy, and integrity.' " 1 These cautions are designed to remind counsel that when in the heat of a contentious trial, counsel's zeal to protect and advance the interest of the client must be tempered by the professional and ethical constraints the legal profession demands. Unfortunately, that did not happen here.

In a child custody dispute, the trial court imposed $50,000 in sanctions jointly and severally against an attorney and her client for disclosing information contained in a…