32. Unfounded allegations
- A solicitor must not make an allegation against another Australian legal practitioner of unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct unless the allegation is made bona fide and the solicitor believes on reasonable grounds that available material by which the allegation could be supported provides a proper basis for it.
Guidance statements
This Guidance Statement raises the ethical issues practitioners should consider when engaging in social media.
The purpose of this Guidance Statement is to outline the ethical issues that practitioners should consider if they wish to comment on their client’s matter to the media under the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules 2012 (‘ASCR’) and the common law.
This Guidance Statement outlines the fundamental duty of honesty and courtesy in communications with colleagues and provides guidance on how to respond to discourtesy.