This information reflects the Society's web site at the date you downloaded or printed it and you should check at www.lawscot.org.uk to see if it is still current.

Codes of Conduct – Introduction

Solicitors in Scotland are expected to observe high standards of professional conduct.

The Practice Rules under which they operate are binding and have the force of legislation. These set out their obligations to clients, the courts, the public and the legal profession. Breaches can lead to disciplinary action.

The Codes of Conduct  on the other hand, are statements of good practice rather than binding rules. They are the basic principles which form the foundation of the profession and act as a guide in assessing whether or not a solicitor's conduct meets the appropriate standard.

You can download the Codes from the related files to the right.