• Login   

• For Solicitors
• For the Community
• About the Law Society
• Ressource center

Ethics

Ethical considerations are an inherent part of practising law due to the multiple obligations solicitors owe their clients, the Courts, the profession and the public. With so many interests to serve, knowing the right path to take is not always clear cut.

The Law Society of NSW is responsible for ensuring all solicitors in the State deliver services that are of the highest professional and ethical standard.

The Law Society performs this role by combining its regulatory powers with an increasing emphasis on education and supporting the profession to be compliant with the legislative requirements of practice.

Our role

About the Ethics Unit – read more about the Law Society’s Ethics Unit and Committee, as well as the Revised Professional Conduct and Practice Rules 1995 (Solicitors Rules).

View the Law Society's Statement of Ethics. 

Help with ethics

Ethics Advice Line – confidential assistance with ethical issues via phone or email.

President’s Rulings – determinations about proposed actions or ethical disputes, such as conflicts of interest.

Ethics education –  face-to-face ethics seminars, including customised in-house continuing professional development (CPD) programs for firms. 

Resources

Protocols and guidelines – information about self-represented parties, information barriers and leaving a legal practice.

Papers and articles – access research papers and Law Society Journal articles on ethics.

FAQs – answers to common questions about confidentiality, a client’s improper instructions or unlawful activity, and dealings with colleagues.