April 2023
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
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This conference brought legal professionals, regulators and stakeholders together to discuss the future of ethics and integrity in the legal sector.
It took place against the backdrop of a rise in reports of misconduct to the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board, and with the proposal to amend the Legal Services Act under discussion in Parliament.
We are pleased to have been able to include a keynote session with Matthew Hill, Chief Executive, Legal Services Board, with the latest on their Reshaping Legal Services strategy - as well as further contributions from Ewen Macleod, Director of Strategy and Policy, Bar Standards Board; Juliet Oliver, General Counsel, Solicitors Regulation Authority; and Lubna Shuja, President, The Law Society.
Delegates examined the place of ethics in legal professional culture and training, and evaluated the ethical challenges faced by the profession today, including in client services. Discussion was expected on the prevention of economic crime, along with possible reforms to Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
Attendees also considered the next steps for promoting employee wellbeing, including improving support for mental health and developing an inclusive workplace and culture.
Further sessions assessed priorities for tackling misconduct, including sexual harassment and bullying, both in person and online, as well as improving support for victims and determining appropriate penalties, and disciplinary and investigative processes.
Overall, sessions in the agenda included discussion on:
- reshaping legal services: building public confidence and trust in the legal profession - next steps for regulation and standards
- navigating ethical challenges: roles and responsibilities for legal practice in a complex and changing environment - embedding integrity into professional culture and the provision of services
- training: incorporating ethics into legal education and training
- tackling misconduct: combatting harassment and bullying - producing and implementing appropriate guidance, sanctions and disciplinary processes - support for victims
- creating a supportive workplace: mental health and employee wellbeing - inclusivity, leadership and culture - nurturing junior practitioners
The conference was an opportunity for the stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DfE; DVSA; HMPPS; Home Office; and the MOJ.
