LSB’s ethics reform must work alongside current guidance

News

The Legal Services Board (LSB) has today (26 March) published a statement of policy on upholding professional ethical duties, which sets new expectations for regulators to ensure ethical duties are fully embedded into legal education, training, regulation and workplaces.

Law Society of England and Wales president, Mark Evans, said: “Maintaining high ethical standards is at the heart of being a solicitor and we agree regulators play an important role. The legal profession already operates to high ethical standards, rooted in independence, integrity and the rule of law. Supporting members with their ethical challenges is a key focus for us.

“Legal professionals are facing increasingly complex ethical challenges. We support an approach that prioritises practical tools, such as case studies, guidance and accessible advice, over prescriptive regulatory mandates.

“We welcome a stronger focus on workplace culture and support that aligns with the Law Society’s work to provide guidance and resources for solicitors in both in-house and private practice.”

Mark Evans concluded: “Overall, we feel the LSB has focused on the right outcomes. However, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) already has well-established rules and conducts thematic reviews that inform continuing guidance which provide a robust platform for ethical practice. It will be important that any future work builds on this foundation, rather than duplicates it.

“It is vital that new requirements are focused and proportionate, especially for small firms, sole practitioners and publicly funded lawyers who may struggle with extra compliance demands.

“We will monitor the impact of the implementation of the new framework to ensure it does not duplicate the SRA’s current obligations or undermine efficient, effective frontline regulation.

“We will look to work closely with the SRA and the LSB during the pre-implementation phase to ensure the professions’ needs are reflected in the development of tailored and realistic action plans.”

Notes to editors

In March 2025, the LSB’s consultation sought to reshape how regulators and legal sectors interpret and uphold professional ethics.

The LSB’s statement of policy includes five outcomes which regulators must follow to ensure those they regulate uphold their professional ethical duties.

Read the LSB’s statement of policy on upholding professional ethical duties.

Read our 2025 consultation response.

Read about our in-house ethics framework.