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Get ready for Code Day, solicitors urged

12 April 2007

The new Solicitors' Code of Conduct, which takes effect on 1 July, is now on the Solicitors Regulation Authority website in an easy-to-search form.

The contents page is at rules.sra.org.uk.

The new Code is about a third of the length of the current one, which was introduced in 1999, and is written in more-simple, direct language.

The Chair of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Peter Williamson, encouraged solicitors to start studying the new rules in preparation for 1 July—Code Day.

"Some of the new Code will seem familiar, but a lot of it will be new.

"In particular, all solicitors should understand Rule 1, which covers the core principles of practice. The core principles define the values which should shape solicitors' professional character and be displayed in their professional behaviour.

"They form an overarching framework within which all the other rules can be understood."

The core principles are as follows:

• You must uphold the rule of law and the proper administration of justice.
• You must act with integrity.
• You must not allow your independence to be compromised.
• You must act in the best interests of each client.
• You must provide a good standard of service to your clients.
• You must not behave in a way that is likely to diminish the trust the public places in you or the profession.

Details of the book edition of the new Solicitors' Code of Conduct will be announced shortly.