Engineers employed in private practice face ethical problems which may vary from those of engineers in industry, academia, and the public sector. Twelve practical examples, specifically related to private practice, are provided for use in engineering ethics courses for future practitioners.

Background information is presented on the need for Rules of Professional Conduct or Code of Ethics or both. They provide the engineer with current information on the status of such rules and codes. The professional engineer shall: (1) Hold paramount the health, safety and welfare of the public in the performance of his professional duties; (2) perform services only in the areas of his competence; (3) issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner; (4) act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agent or trustee and avoid conflicts of interest; and (5) avoid improper solicitation of clients to perform professional services. Interest, research and discussion of engineering ethics has mushroomed in the past few years, and, coupled with the general scepticism of the public as to the ethical behavior in the profession, it appears that formal and specific attention to ethics should be given in the engineering curricula. Professional Conduct and Ethics are the foundation on which a professional career should be built.

The strong efforts being made by various groups to obtain greater support for rebuilding, rehabilitating, and maintaining the nation's deteriorating infrastructure can succeed only if we can “sell” policy makers on the needs and solutions. Policy officials must be reached through a multifaceted approach designed specifically to develop support through the political process. We must understand some key political factors and develop strategies accordingly. While technical data and logical arguments alone will not be sufficient, they will be critical for reaching new legislators and for communicating effectively with the media and the public. We must emphasize economic stability and development as related to infrastructure, and also the vital role of local agencies in the “selling” process. Most importantly, all interested and affected groups must work closely together.

Successful management of the public interface with large construction projects is often essential to the ultimate success of the project. The project manager, who is often illequipped in this regard, is being forced to play an important role for the owner in this area. The approaches used and lessons learned in dealing with the public interface on the Milwaukee Water Pollution Abatement Program are examined.

Professional self‐regulation has come under rather close scrutiny by the Courts during the past 20 yr. Various morally‐founded bases for this scrutiny are identified and discussed. Since one of the purposes of some self‐regulatory restrictions had been to protect the well‐being and safety of the public, avenues for working toward this objective within the law are suggested.