New ethical practice framework for solicitors in private practice

Over the next year, we’ll be working with the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre (IDEA) at the University of Leeds to develop an ethical practice framework for solicitors in private practice.

What we’re doing

Building on the success of our in-house ethics framework developed with IDEA Leeds, we’re making a start on a new ethics framework for solicitors working in private practice.

Part of our professional ethics programme, the framework will complement existing guidance developed by the Legal Services Board and the SRA on upholding ethical practice duties.

It will help solicitors to:

  • keep ahead of ethical obligations
  • tackle dilemmas with the right approach
  • minimise risk with a package of expert guidance, advice and support

It could also help address specific areas of conduct, such as standing up to powerful clients, disclosure obligations and failures of investigation.

We know firms already have processes and professional standards in place. Our approach will support solicitors to navigate complex ethical situations, not duplicate what’s already working.

Private practice spans many areas and specialisms. We’ll work closely with the legal profession to make sure the framework reflects that diversity.

Why we’re developing the framework

Solicitors regularly encounter situations where ethical considerations are not straightforward. Conflicts of interest, confidentiality, undertakings and client pressure can all raise questions that require careful judgment.

The Post Office scandal has brought renewed and urgent attention to ethical challenges within the legal profession, particularly as it relates to independence, client relationships and decision-making under pressure.

It has made it clear that ethical failings are as relevant to solicitors working in private practice as they are for solicitors that work in-house.

Next steps

We’re looking for volunteers to take part in online roundtable discussions in July. The sessions will be led by Dr Jim Baxter from IDEA Leeds, and will take place on:

  • Thursday 23 July, 10.30am to 12pm, for solicitors working in small firms
  • Wednesday 29 July, 10.30am to12pm, for solicitors working in medium-sized firms
  • Thursday 30 July, 10.30am to 12pm, for solicitors working in large firms

If you’d like to attend a roundtable, you can sign up through Get Involved. You can also contact James Woolf to register your interest.

To ensure the framework is useful and relevant to solicitors, we’ll also conduct a survey with a sample of our members. If you’re selected to take part in the survey, we encourage you to share your views.

Kindly shared by The Law Society  Image courtesy of Adobe