Lawyers’ Ethics and Professional Responsibility

This book aims to produce lawyers who can debate, criticise and change professional ethics as well as understand their underlying rationale. Written by the author of the leading work on the subject, The Ethics and Conduct of Lawyers in England and Wales, this book is aimed at the undergraduate or postgraduate student taking a half or full course in the subject. The book is divided into four parts dealing with the professional and regulatory framework for delivering legal services, the obligations owed to clients, wider duties and responsibilities and practice settings. It sets out the important background to the modern practice of law, and explains the theoretical underpinning of professional ethics and its everyday application through conduct rules and principles. Extracts from legislation, cases and conduct rules are provided, and comparative issues are considered where relevant. The book is also interactive, raising issues and posing questions that will encourage students to engage with the material as they read, which will also be helpful for classroom discussion.

Part I: Systems
1. Roles and Values
2. Institutions and Organisations
3. Regulation and Discipline
Part II: Clients
4. The Relationship
5. Conflicts of Interest
6. Confidentiality and Privilege
Part III: Others
7. Third Parties (Non-Clients)
8. Social Responsibility
9. Professional Responsibility
Part IV: Practice Contexts
10. Litigation and Advocacy
11. Settlement
12. Commercial Practice