News: SRA reminds solicitors to adhere to their litigation obligations

[Legal Beagles]

Solicitors have been reminded to adhere to all their professional obligations when engaged in litigation, and not to become “hired guns” just carrying out instructions that are in the best interests of clients.

More...

[Amethyst]

HA.

Paul Philip, SRA Chief Executive, said: “Maintaining the correct balance between duties is not simple and all matters must be decided on the facts. Solicitors should of course advance their clients' cases, but they are not ’hired guns’ whose only duty is to that client.

“They also owe duties to the courts, third parties and to the public interest. It is important for solicitors to recognise their wider duties and never to rationalise misconduct on the mistaken basis that their only duty is to their client, for example by including clauses in non-disclosure agreements which seek to prevent lawful disclosure of harassment or discrimination.

“Those who cross the line into misleading the courts or abusing the litigation process should have no doubt that if we have evidence of this, we will take action.”