In the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), candidates are evaluated not only on their legal knowledge but also on their ability to act ethically and in accordance with professional conduct standards. This includes a focus on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Principles and the Code of Conduct.
Candidates should understand the purpose, scope, and content of the SRA Principles. The SRA Principles outline the fundamental ethical and professional standards that solicitors in England and Wales are expected to uphold. These principles include integrity, independence, confidentiality, and acting in the best interest of clients.
The Code of Conduct is a critical framework that provides guidance on professional behaviour for solicitors, Registered European Lawyers (RELs), Registered Foreign Lawyers (RFLs), and firms. Candidates should have a comprehensive understanding of the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs, and RFLs, which sets out the professional obligations and ethical considerations for individual solicitors, RELs, and RFLs. It addresses issues such as client care, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest. The SRA Code of Conduct for Firms focuses on the conduct of firms and includes provisions for managers in authorised firms and compliance officers. Candidates need to be familiar with the specific responsibilities of managers and compliance officers within law firms.
Ethics and professional conduct are pervasive themes across all subject areas in the SQE. Candidates are expected to apply ethical considerations to client-based and ethical problems presented in various legal scenarios. Candidates are assessed on their ability to apply ethical principles to realistic situations. This involves demonstrating an understanding of the SRA Principles and the Code of Conduct and applying them appropriately to resolve ethical dilemmas in legal practice.
Ethics and professional conduct are not standalone components but are integrated throughout the examination. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a holistic approach, aligning legal knowledge with ethical considerations and professional conduct standards. Candidates should act in accordance with the SRA Standards and Regulations, ensuring compliance with the established standards for professional behaviour and ethical conduct.
In summary, candidates in the SQE examination are not only tested on legal knowledge but also on their ethical decision-making and adherence to professional conduct standards. The integration of ethics and professional conduct across subject areas reflects the importance of these aspects in the day-to-day practice of solicitors in England and Wales.
You can learn more about this topic with our Solicitors Accounts and Ethics notes.
