The Ethics and Conduct of Lawyers in England and Wales

The Ethics and Conduct of Lawyers in England and Wales by Professor Andrew Boon is a respected textbook that, in its fourth edition, examines the regulation and conduct of lawyers in England and Wales. It addresses new developments in the field, including those in international practice, sexual misconduct, and the environment.

This edition focuses on the practice of, and interrelationship between, solicitors and barristers. It provides background to current arrangements while exploring contemporary rules of conduct, systems of regulation, and controversies.

The book is divided into four main parts covering client duties, wider obligations, key contexts, and regulation. Parts one to three offer an academic introduction to the subject of lawyers’ ethics, making it a suitable core text for a semester course at undergraduate level. It also provides grounding for vocational training, such as the Solicitors’ Qualifying Examination. Comparisons are made with conduct rules in other leading common law jurisdictions where relevant. These sections also delve into the connections between ethics and the development of lawyers’ practical skills.

Part four applies general principles to three elements of regulation: practice, admission, and discipline. Throughout the book, the approach is socio-legal. While essential laws are described, relevant social science research informs the consideration of issues and debates.