PE SGS 1: Fundamental Principles

(301) A barrister must not engage in conduct which is:

dishonest or otherwise discreditable

prejudicial to the administration of justice; or

Likely to bring the legal profession into disrepute

Engage in an association that may adversely affect the reputation of the Bar

(305) A barrister must not discriminate because of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, religion or belief

• (306) A barrister is individually and PERSONALLY responsible for his own conduct and for his professional work: he must exercise his
• own personal judgement in all his professional activities.

(708) A barrister when conducting proceedings in Court is personally responsible for the conduct of his case and must exercise personal judgment upon the substance and purpose of the statements made and questions asked.

(302) overriding duty to THE COURT

...to act with independence in the interests of justice: he must assist the Court in the administration of justice and must not deceive or mislead the Court.

(s.303) to the LAY CLIENT

(s.303)...must promote and protect FEARLESSLY the lay client’s best interests without regard to his own interests

(s.702)  ...a barrister must preserve the confidentiality of the lay client’s affairs during and after services

Must not show the contents of the papers (information entrusted to him) to any third person without the prior consent of the lay client unless:

• another barrister,
• a pupil,
• a Registered European Lawyer or any other person who needs to know it for the performance of their duties