Code of Conduct
This code is intended solely to be applied as between Members as guidance. These are not contractual terms or representations. They are included here for information only and are not intended to be relied upon as a basis to engage us for any service.
Members (which for the purposes of this code of conduct includes associate members) are professional persons with integrity, honesty and independence of mind who have been chosen by their peers to join Chambers for those qualities, among others.
Though Members enjoy a high degree of independence within Chambers, with each Member working and earning independently of the others; we understand that the behaviour of any one of us is capable of reflecting upon all of us. This Code of Conduct is intended to act as a means for us to check ourselves, each other and to assist us to improve.
No one who intentionally fails to meet the requirements of this code of conduct belongs here.
Principles and Values
Our conduct shall at all times be lawful. Our professional conduct should accord with the highest standards required by professional bodies to which we belong.
Our clients’ interests come before our own and those of Chambers. We will advise clients honestly and give them the advice that serves their best interests. The Client’s informed and lawful instructions will be followed.
We should ensure that anything said to a court or tribunal is not misleading and seek immediately to correct any inadvertent error that would otherwise mislead.
We should exercise self-restraint and avoid aggressive communication. The tone and manner of our communications may be aggressive only for the purpose of vindicating or defending the interests of our client.
We will not use, accept, assist in or tolerate bullying, threats or abusive conduct. Any threat of litigation must accord with the professional standards that we are bound by and must not contain statements we know to be untrue.
We should strive to be respected by our peers; to treat our opponents, our competitors, and their clients with respect. We should endeavour to form relationships with our peers that may serve our present or future clients. However, concern to maintain any relationship must not interfere with our duty to serve the existing client’s interests.
We shall not put ourselves in a position where we have a professional conflict of interests to that our client.
Conflict of Interests
Members of Chambers are not in partnership and are not employed by each other. They may be employed and/or retained by firms, partnerships and companies provided that this does not prevent them acting independently.
Members of Chambers are independent of each other and may act for clients whose interests conflict and may accept appointments as arbitrators in cases involving representation of other members of Chambers, provide that the safeguards below are adhered to.
a) The fact that another member of chambers is acting for a conflicting interest shall be disclosed if the client for whom the other member is acting permits such disclosure. Where permission is not granted to make such a disclosure, the member must refuse to act for the client.
b) There shall be effective barriers to prevent breaches of confidentiality including by inadvertence.
c) Any breach of confidentiality shall be reported to the victim of the breach immediately.
Non-discrimination
We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
We are mindful and tolerant of peoples’ right to profess a religion, to take part in a political affiliation, and to express themselves freely; save that we do not use, accept or tolerate ageist, racist, sexist or homophobic behaviour or language in the professional context.
We will ensure that any person with a disability who wishes to work with us (as a client, Member or employee) is treated with dignity, is assisted where necessary, and, if they do end up working with us; we will make such reasonable adjustments as would enable them to do so successfully.
Unpopular Clients and Caus
We will not enter into any agreement that would prevent any Member from acting immediately or in the future for another person or cause, where they would otherwise be professionally capable of so acting and in particular where there is no conflict of interests.
Our advocates are not to judge their own clients. Advocates shall not refuse to vindicate or defend the rights people because their reputation is damaged or to advance causes in Court, for fear of public opinion.
All Members acknowledge that advocates are not to be personally associated with the cause or character of their client and we will demand that all advocates are respected irrespective of who they act for and for what cause they act.
Conduct of Business
Members shall not take on work that they do not have the skills or time to deliver to the standards and within the time expected by the client. However, Members are encouraged to take on work with other Members and non-members where that would enable effective delivery to the client. In such a case, the division of labour will be made clear to the client.
Members will ensure that important communications with clients, opponents and all those involved in any case or matter are noted in writing contemporaneously if possible.
Members will ensure to the extent possible that their fees reflect the agreement reached with the client and that the client is billed or notified of fees at reasonable intervals.
Members shall maintain confidentiality in the information received from their clients and shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure that this is maintained.
Members are encouraged constantly to improve their skills and body of knowledge and to impart such knowledge as they have to interested parties through publications and speaking events.
Members are encouraged to act without payment where there is a genuine need.
Members are encouraged to provide assistance to prospective lawyers and others particularly of a disadvantaged background.
No Corruption
No Member shall directly or indirectly assist any person to carry out an illegality and/or to cover one up. Advocates will, however, when required, defend fearlessly any person accused of illegality and assert all their legal rights.
No Member shall directly or indirectly assist in any attempt to cause any person in a public office, a fiduciary or agent to act improperly in order to give any advantage and/or to deny a right to any person.
No Member shall accept any benefit resulting from a bribe or corrupt practice other than those associated with the right to defend within the limits of professional conduct, any person who stands accused.
Commissions
We shall not agree to give or receive of goods or services in the form of a bribe and/or to cause someone to send us work in breach of their obligations as an agent, employee or fiduciary.
Members may agree to pay part of their earnings, including earnings that were gained by cross-referrals by other Members to Chambers. Also, Members may from time to time act with non-members where the client is charged in a single bill and where there is an agreement between the Member and non-member as to their respective proportions.
Politics
Members are free to take part in any lawful political action and to assemble or associate themselves with any political party, movement or cause. However, in doing so we must not cause or permit Chambers to be associated with any such cause.
Members are free to stand for election or accept appointment to any public office. The resources of Chambers must not be used for the purposes of any campaign and any Member taking part in a campaign must not cause or permit Chambers to be associated with it.
Members are free to give interviews to the media on any subject, including any topical legal matter, provided that we make clear wherever reasonably possible that any opinion expressed is our own and not necessarily that of any other Member.
Members will not give interviews on any matter directly involving a client of Chambers, including a client of any other Member without the consent of the client concerned or without stating specifically in any interview that the client of another member of Chambers is not their client.