Code of Conduct

Every member of the International Order of Jurists observes this Code. It applies equally to all members, whatever their title, position, country or field of law.

For the purposes of this Code, a jurist is anyone who has studied law, who works or has worked in law, or who represents, seeks or administers justice for the good of all. Where a rule speaks of clients, it applies to members who provide legal services; members in other roles apply it in the spirit in which it is written.

I. General rules

1. The jurist’s mission. Jurists protect human rights, civil rights, and the legal rights and interests of individuals, organisations and public bodies. They help to protect the independence of the judiciary, justice and equity, and contribute to a just society and to its social and economic development.
2. Independence, honesty and respect for the truth. Jurists are independent and honest, and respect the objective truth. They do not break the law or the ethics of their profession for financial gain, for any other advantage, or under pressure from anyone.
3. The honour of the profession. Jurists respect and protect the honour and reputation of their colleagues, including junior colleagues and staff, as they would their own. They build and keep the trust of clients and of the public in jurists and in the legal profession.
4. Service to the community.
   1. Laws change continually. Jurists accept a responsibility to help ensure that laws are written with justice and the common good in mind.
   2. When jurists give legal help free of charge, they do so with the same care, impartiality and professional responsibility as when they are paid.

II. Clients and the public

5. Protecting the client’s legitimate interests. Jurists protect their clients’ legitimate rights and interests as well as they can, using their knowledge, skill and the legal means available, in line with the law and the principles of justice. In dealing with other people and organisations they behave properly and do not harm, by word or deed, the reputation or legitimate interests of their clients or of others. Where possible, they avoid conflict and advise all parties to consider every available solution.
6. Respect for the client. Jurists act on their clients’ lawful instructions and respect their clients’ legitimate rights, interests and choices.
7. Confidentiality.
   1. Jurists keep confidential all information about a client, during and after their work, unless the client consents or the physical safety of the client or of others is at risk.
   2. Jurists require their colleagues and staff to keep the same confidentiality, and explain the consequences of breaching it.
8. Fees. Jurists explain to their clients in advance the expected fees and how they are calculated, give estimates where they can, and point out where the client may be able to save on the cost of the work or of the case.
9. What jurists never do. Jurists do not:
   1. receive, hold or use a client’s money or property other than as agreed with the client;
   2. ask a client to give money, property or other benefits to the jurist, or to the jurist’s family, friends, business partners or acquaintances, unless this is in the client’s best interest and the client understands the consequences and the role of everyone involved, and agrees in writing;
   3. accept money or any other benefit from a third party to do, or not to do, work that harms the client’s interests;
   4. create or exploit difficulties, or false, incomplete or unfavourable information, to pressure a client into paying more than agreed or into granting other benefits;
   5. use information from a case to obtain improper benefits, financial or otherwise.

III. Conflicts of interest

10. Conflicts of interest.
    1. A conflict of interest exists where a jurist acts, or has acted, for two or more parties whose interests are opposed, so that the jurist cannot fully protect each client’s interests or keep each client’s information confidential. Jurists do not knowingly take on or continue work in which there is a conflict of interest.
    2. Jurists actively avoid conflicts of interest. If one arises against their will, they tell the client at once and look for a way to resolve it.
    3. A jurist declines a case, or stops acting in it, where clients have conflicting interests; where a new client’s interests are opposed to those of a current or former client; or where the client’s interests conflict with those of the jurist or the jurist’s family.
    4. A conflict of interest can be resolved if all parties agree to a solution that removes the opposing interests.

Concerns that a member has broken this Code can be raised with the Order. Raise a concern.