Chapter 2: Ethical Duties
Duty to All Clients
- Scope of Confidentiality: Lawyers owe a duty of confidentiality to all clients:
- Prospective clients.
- Current clients.
- Former clients.
- This duty applies without exception.
- Responsibilities: The duty extends to all members of the law firm, including:
- Lawyers
- Support staff (paralegals, assistants).
- Lawyers are ultimately responsible for breaches caused by employees.
- Office Procedures: Lawyers must establish and maintain proper office procedures to:
- Educate staff about confidentiality.
- Protect client information from accidental or unauthorized disclosure.
Duty to Clients of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
- Lawyers in CSOs:
- Lawyers employed by civil society organizations must follow the same ethical rules and professional standards as any lawyer.
- Full Professional Obligations: Regardless of being employed by a CSO, lawyers must:
- Protect client confidentiality.
- Ensure competence in delivering services.
- Follow all professional obligations set out by the Rules of Professional Conduct.