Ask most solicitors what they understand by “legal ethics” and you’ll likely hear a version of: “doing the right thing.”
It sounds straightforward – until the right thing is inconvenient, uncomfortable, or unsupported by a clear rule. And that’s precisely where ethical standards matter most.
In a regulated profession built on public trust, ethical judgment is more than a personal virtue. It’s a professional obligation.
Legal ethics is not just rules…it’s values
The SRA Principles are not a checklist. They’re a set of high-level values that apply at all times – whether you’re drafting a will, leading a transaction, or socialising at a firm event.
And they apply not just to solicitors, but to anyone working in a regulated firm – including paralegals, trainees, and support staff. That may come as a surprise to some.
Principles like acting with integrity (Principle 5) or maintaining public trust (Principle 2) are intentionally broad. They fill the space where rules end and judgment begins. But that breadth is also what makes them hard to apply.
Integrity is not just about honesty
Perhaps the most misunderstood Principle is integrity. It’s often assumed to mean “not lying.” But the reality is far wider.
You can act without integrity even if you’ve told the truth – by backdating a document, allowing a misleading impression to stand, or witnessing a signature you didn’t actually see.
As the case law confirms, dishonesty and lack of integrity are different standards, but both carry serious regulatory consequences.
When personal conduct becomes professional
There’s a growing body of SRA guidance (and disciplinary history) showing that behaviour outside of work can still lead to professional sanctions.
This includes things like:
- Offensive social media posts, even from a private account
- Using a disabled parking badge you’re not entitled to
- Fare dodging
- Drunken behaviour at networking events
- Spreading misinformation online
- Abusing a position of authority over a junior colleague
None of these relate directly to legal work. But all raise questions about fitness to practise, integrity, and the reputation of the profession.
The test is not “was this illegal?” — but rather, “what would the public think if they knew a solicitor had done this?”
Grey areas and ethical pressure
Some of the toughest ethical dilemmas come not from clear misconduct, but from the more nuanced situations.
What if your client wants you to include a harsh NDA clause that could silence a whistleblower, depending on which side of the fence you are sitting? What if you suspect a colleague has made a minor alteration to a document to avoid embarrassment? What if your firm’s culture is causing burnout, mistakes, and fear?
These aren’t hypothetical scenarios. They’re real tensions that legal professionals face every day.
And they’re rarely resolved by pointing to a specific rule.
Good judgment is the goal
The SRA’s enforcement strategy makes it clear that the regulator cares most about serious breaches, especially those involving dishonesty, abuse of trust, or risk to the public.
But that doesn’t mean minor decisions don’t matter. It’s often the small ethical habits – transparency, curiosity, speaking up – that set the tone for culture and prevent bigger problems.
Good ethical decision-making involves:
- Spotting the red flags
- Considering the impact on others
- Balancing competing duties
- Taking advice early
- Documenting your reasoning
- Taking responsibility
Ethics in legal practice isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware, accountable, and prepared to do the right thing, especially when it’s not the easy thing.
Whether you’re qualified or not, new to the profession or decades in, the same standard applies: would your conduct inspire confidence in someone who trusted you with their most sensitive matters?
If the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right path.
