In all their dealings, a solicitor must uphold the principles by which they are governed. Whilst observing their duties to the client, solicitors must:
not mislead the Court act with competence, honesty and courtesy towards other solicitors, parties and witnesses be independent (free from personal bias) be frank in their responses and disclosures to the Court be diligent in their observance of undertakings.
Some common examples include:
not influencing witnesses not providing bail for a client not being a witness in a client’s court case withdrawing from representing a client when the client deliberately misleads the Court.
What happens when the duties conflict?
Sometimes situations arise when acting in the client’s