SRA Principles and BSB Core Duties
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In England and Wales, solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and barristers by the Bar Standards Board (BSB). The two regulatory bodies set their own code of conduct to govern the professional behaviour and ethical standards of their members.
The SRA Principles will be assessed pervasively in SQE1. You will be required to demonstrate your ability to act honestly and with integrity, and in accordance with the SRA Standards and Regulations.
Principle 1 – A solicitor must act in a way that upholds the constitutional principle of the rule of law, and the proper administration of justice.
Principle 2 – A solicitor must act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors’ profession and in legal services provided by authorised persons.
Principle 3 – A solicitor must act with independence.
Principle 4 – A solicitor must act with honesty.
Principle 5 – A solicitor must act with integrity.
Principle 6 – A solicitor must act in a way that encourages equality, diversity and inclusion.
Principle 7 – A solicitor must act in the best interests of each client.
The Code of Conduct for barristers in England and Wales is set out in the BSB Handbook as 10 Core Duties for barristers.
Core Duty 1 – A barrister must observe his duty to the court in the administration of justice.
Core Duty 2 – A barrister must act in the best interests of each client.
Core Duty 3 – A barrister must act with honesty, and with integrity.
Core Duty 4 – A barrister must maintain his independence.
Core Duty 5 – A barrister must not behave in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or in the profession.
Core Duty 6 – A barrister must keep the affairs of each client confidential.
Core Duty 7 – A barrister must provide a competent standard of work and service to each client.
Core Duty 8 – A barrister must not discriminate unlawfully against any person.
Core Duty 9 – A barrister must be open and co-operative with his regulators.
Core Duty 10 – A barrister must take reasonable steps to manage his practice, or carry out his role within his practice, competently and in such a way as to achieve compliance with his legal and regulatory obligations.
The above principles and code of conduct must be observed by members of the respective regulatory body throughout their professional careers. Failure to do so may result in serious repercussions including regulatory action and sanction.
The SRA Principles will be assessed pervasively in SQE1. You will be required to demonstrate your ability to act honestly and with integrity, and in accordance with the SRA Standards and Regulations.
Principle 1 – A solicitor must act in a way that upholds the constitutional principle of the rule of law, and the proper administration of justice.
Principle 2 – A solicitor must act in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors’ profession and in legal services provided by authorised persons.
Principle 3 – A solicitor must act with independence.
Principle 4 – A solicitor must act with honesty.
Principle 5 – A solicitor must act with integrity.
Principle 6 – A solicitor must act in a way that encourages equality, diversity and inclusion.
Principle 7 – A solicitor must act in the best interests of each client.
The Code of Conduct for barristers in England and Wales is set out in the BSB Handbook as 10 Core Duties for barristers.
Core Duty 1 – A barrister must observe his duty to the court in the administration of justice.
Core Duty 2 – A barrister must act in the best interests of each client.
Core Duty 3 – A barrister must act with honesty, and with integrity.
Core Duty 4 – A barrister must maintain his independence.
Core Duty 5 – A barrister must not behave in a way which is likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or in the profession.
Core Duty 6 – A barrister must keep the affairs of each client confidential.
Core Duty 7 – A barrister must provide a competent standard of work and service to each client.
Core Duty 8 – A barrister must not discriminate unlawfully against any person.
Core Duty 9 – A barrister must be open and co-operative with his regulators.
Core Duty 10 – A barrister must take reasonable steps to manage his practice, or carry out his role within his practice, competently and in such a way as to achieve compliance with his legal and regulatory obligations.
The above principles and code of conduct must be observed by members of the respective regulatory body throughout their professional careers. Failure to do so may result in serious repercussions including regulatory action and sanction.
