Ethics in Law Firms: a practical guide скачать в хорошем качестве

Ethics in Law Firms: a practical guide

BOOK REVIEW ETHICS IN LAW FIRMS: A Practical Guide By Tracey Calvert ISBN: 978 1 78358 113 9 ARK GROUP LTD and Managing Partner, Young Lawyer and Solicitors Journal www.ark-group.com HOW ETHICAL STANDARDS CAN SAVE YOUR LAW FIRM A HEAP OF TROUBLE AND EXPENSE An appreciation by Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers 'Understanding and demonstrating professional conduct and values sets law firms apart from other businesses,' says Tracey Calvert, who has competently and comprehensively authored this latest report published by the Ark Group. Now there's a truism with which few lawyers would disagree. However, in trying to maintain the practical and consistent application of ethical practices day to day in the practice of your profession -- well -- as you will be reminded in this book, you could find yourself in something of a minefield. The book is aimed at solicitors and obviously applies to any size of law firm, sole practitioners included. 'The SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) provides the framework or ethical behaviour,' says the author, 'but it is an inherently personal obligation to differentiate and uphold these values.' Barristers, too, who must abide by their own massive Bar Code of Conduct, will also benefit from this book. Certainly it will enhance their awareness and understanding of ethical issues which impact on barristers and solicitors alike. The book explores a multiplicity of ethical issues in detail and the results make rather fascinating reading, if only to demonstrate, among other things, how expensive in money and reputation the often accidental breach of an ethical issue can be. Take the possible consequences linked to breaches of confidentiality, for example, as demonstrated in the recent and memorable case in which J K Rowling was outed as the author of a novel she had written under a nom de plume. The revelation, or 'leak', if you will, of Joanne Rowling's true identity came from a partner in the law firm she had instructed. He told his wife's best friend who promptly posted this juicy piece of information on social media. Oh dear! You can read Ms. Calvert's book for further details, but in short, the episode resulted in a stiff fine and substantial financial and reputational damage for the firm in question. In most instances, ethics tend to boil down to the necessity of acting in the best interests of each client -- the guiding principle of client care -- and, as Calvert puts it, 'adopting the correct response to the many and varied ethical dilemmas which arise remains as important as ever'. In all, the book is eminently readable and logically organised into twelve chapters, all but two of which start or finish with the question 'What does the SRA expect me to do?' Just about every conceivable ethical issue is covered, from client care and confidentiality to conflicts of interest, duties to the court, client money and much more. Calvert has lent her considerable experience and authority to the content of this useful volume. Among other achievements as a lawyer, she was a member of the small team which drafted the SRA Handbook, with particular responsibilities in respect of the new SRA Code of Conduct and the rules in the Handbook's 'specialist services' section. In producing this guide she delivers practical answers to everyday problems, clarifying points by referring to actual cases. Also provided are frequently asked questions, flow charts and other illustrative material The practical value of this practical guide is indisputable. Ideally, it should be in every practitioner's professional library.