Ethical Guidance for Members

Ethics Guidance Solicitors in Ethics Support assist the profession by providing ethical guidance.

The provision of ethical guidance to practitioners plays an important part in assisting solicitors to resolve ethical dilemmas and follow a course of action which is likely to withstand an allegation that the solicitor has acted in an unprofessional manner.

The importance of providing such ethical guidance to solicitors is accepted and supported by the Legal Services Commissioner. Whilst it is possible that opinions may differ as to the correct ethical course of action to adopt in any given situation, the fact that a solicitor has recognised that there is an ethical dilemma and has acted in a manner consistent with guidance provided by Ethics Support will be a factor in the solicitor’s favour if a complaint is subsequently made to the Legal Services Commissioner about the solicitor’s actions.

All ethical enquiries to Ethics Support are:

• recorded so that the Society has an accurate record of the facts presented to the Society and the ethical guidance provided on the basis of those facts;
• dealt with by experienced Ethics Guidance Solicitors in a consistent manner in accordance with up to date authorities and guidelines;
• dealt with in a manner to encourage the enquirer to properly consider the issue at hand and not just adopt the guidance provided by the Ethics Guidance Solicitor.

Disclaimer

The ethical guidance provided by Ethics Support is not legal advice. Complaints about solicitors’ conduct are made to the Legal Services Commissioner. Ethical guidance provided by Ethics Support is not binding on the Commissioner but, as stated above, if a solicitor has acted in a manner consistent with ethical guidance provided by Ethics Support the solicitor’s conduct is likely to be regarded in a much more favourable light than would be the case if the solicitor had not sought assistance.