Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007 June 2009

The 2009 edition of the "Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007" provides thorough coverage of changes made to the rules governing solicitors since publication of the first edition in 2007. The code is issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as essential reading not only for every solicitor, but for all who wish to know the standards of service and conduct expected of solicitors. Key changes in this edition have been made to reflect the Legal Services Act 2007 regarding firm based regulation and legal disciplinary practices, and ensure that the rules apply to all managers and employees in firms. The following rules have been extensively amended: Rule 12 - Framework of practice; Rule 14 - Recognised bodies (formerly Incorporated practice); Rule 20 - Requirements of practice; and, Rule 23 - Application of these rules. Other important changes have been made to Rule 5 - Business management in England and Wales and Rule 7 - Publicity. In addition, the SRA Recognised Bodies Regulations 2009 came into force on 31st March 2009 and appear in this edition.
The regulations support the Code and firm based regulation and include the requirements for approval of a non-lawyer individual as suitable to be a 'manager'. The 2009 edition follows the format established by the 2007 edition. The standards are set out in the form of 25 mandatory rules. The core duties are set out in Rule 1. Each rule is accompanied by guidance notes which explain the rule and aid compliance.