Every attorney-at-law before being permitted to practice shall take the following oath or affirmation before an officer authorized to administer oaths:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will demean myself as an attorney, according to the best of my learning and ability, and with all good fidelity, as well to the court as to the client; that I will use no falsehood or delay any person's cause for lucre or malice and that I will support the Constitution of the State of Alabama and of the United States, so long as I continue a citizen thereof, so help me God."
If any attorney commences practice before taking the oath as prescribed by this section, he or she forfeits the sum of $200, one half to the use of the person suing for the same and the other to the state.
Ala. Code § 34-3-15 (1975)