Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules, 2010
Rules prescribing the professional code of conduct and ethics for legal practitioners in Sierra Leone.
Summary
The Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules, 2010 prescribe the professional code of conduct and ethics governing legal practitioners (lawyers) in Sierra Leone. They set the standards of behaviour expected of members of the Bar in their dealings with clients, the courts, other lawyers and the public.
The Rules cover matters such as a lawyer's duties to the court and the administration of justice, duties to clients (including confidentiality, competence and avoidance of conflicts of interest), the handling of clients' money, fees, advertising and professional relations. Breach of the code may give rise to disciplinary proceedings. They are made under the legal-practitioners legislation and underpin professional discipline.
Main provisions
- Prescribe the code of professional conduct and ethics for lawyers.
- Set out duties to the court and the administration of justice.
- Set out duties to clients, including confidentiality and avoidance of conflicts.
- Regulate the handling of clients' money, fees and advertising.
- Underpin professional discipline for breach of the code.