Blog
From Certificates to Belief Statements: The CPS and the Limits of Forum Bar Intervention
Rebecca Niblock
21 April 2023
Fair treatment of colleagues: what you need to know about the SRA’s updated Codes of Conduct
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has been given the green light by the Legal Services Board (LSB) to amend the SRA Codes of Conduct in respect of treating colleagues fairly and with respect.
The LSB’s Decision Notice states the SRA’s intention to update the Codes immediately, “without further publicity or allowing [firms and individuals] time to prepare for the alterations”.
Indeed, these changes have already taken effect, introducing in the Codes explicit requirements for individuals to treat colleagues fairly and with respect, for managers to challenge behaviour that does not meet this standard, and for firms to treat those who work for and with them fairly and with respect, and to require their employees to meet that standard.
29 March 2023
Should ‘good’ barristers be allowed to decline to act for ‘bad’ clients? Client selection and the impact on the rule of law (long read)
More than 120 lawyers announced last week that they will not take briefs to prosecute peaceful climate protestors or act for companies pursuing fossil fuel projects. The group (‘Lawyers are Responsible’) called upon the government to act urgently to address the climate crisis and to promote sustainability. Twelve junior barristers and six king’s counsel have signed a Declaration of Conscience (‘the Declaration’), launched today outside the Royal Courts of Justice, declaring their intention to act in breach of the ‘cab rank’ rule. Some barristers have already referred themselves to the Bar Standards Board (‘BSB’) for this ‘breach’.
23 March 2023
Getting it right first time - the importance of preparing the best possible case in fitness to practise proceedings
Dr C worked as a Consultant Paediatrician in the NHS. He was also Managing Director of a company called Meras, which provided private paediatric care.
Dr C was referred to a Medical Practitioners Tribunal (MPT) hearing following complaints made by the parents of three patients he provided private clinical care to at Meras between March and August 2017.
21 March 2023
New rules for judges to tackle counter-inclusive behaviours
In January 2023, the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary released a Statement of Expected Behaviour (“the Statement”) setting out the standards of behaviour expected from all judicial office holders. The Statement expands on the existing Guide to Judicial Conduct and covers behaviour in and outside of court, between judicial office holders and with staff and court users.
20 March 2023
Our ‘at a glance’ guide for law firms: SRA guidance on effective supervision
In January 2023, the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary released a Statement of Expected Behaviour (“the Statement”) setting out the standards of behaviour expected from all judicial office holders. The Statement expands on the existing Guide to Judicial Conduct and covers behaviour in and outside of court, between judicial office holders and with staff and court users.