In-house ethics framework
This framework provides practical guidance, tools and resources to help in-house solicitors uphold their ethical and legal obligations while operating effectively within their organisations.
Professional ethics has evolved into an increasingly complex and, at times, contested landscape. As your professional body, we have a role in supporting members to navigate this changing landscape.
We’ve worked with IDEA Leeds to bring you this suite of resources and content to support your ethical practice, which involved extensive in-house practitioner engagement and consultation.
It is intended to be a flexible and adaptable resource for your context and needs. We recognise that not every element will be useful in every organisation. You should use discretion in deciding which elements to use.
The framework is intended to complement the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s guidance aimed at in-house solicitors.
For more information, read how to use this framework and how to position the framework in your organisation.
The role of the in-house solicitor
A foundational guide outlining the distinctive responsibilities, pressures and ethical considerations of in-house practice.
Useful for both new and experienced in-house solicitors, as well as organisations seeking to understand the role.
Strengthening the solicitor's position in organisations
Protocol for employing organisations
A resource outlining the role, value and ethical obligations of in-house solicitors, intended for board-level sign-off to ensure clear reporting lines, independence and resourcing.
Developing skills and confidence
Working effectively and ethically as an in-house solicitor
Practical strategies for managing workload, independence and ethical decision-making under pressure.
Practise exercising your judgement in complex situations and under pressure with interactive scenarios and an ethical decision-making tool.
The in-house solicitor and ethical organisational culture
Guidance on understanding, influencing and embedding ethical culture within an organisation. It encourages solicitors to reflect on organisational dynamics and take proactive steps to shape ethical business practices.
Each element of the framework has been designed to offer structured support for different aspects of ethical practice.
It can be used flexibly, whether as a reference tool, a basis for discussion within legal teams or various corporate support groups in your organisation, or a foundation for organisational policies and procedures.
The elements can be viewed in any order, but the role of the in-house solicitor is a good place to start on your first visit.
In 2024, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) finalised its guidance aimed at in-house solicitors.
The in-house ethics framework has a different focus but is intended to be complementary to the SRA’s guidance.
For the most part, the SRA as the regulator focuses on clarifying the solicitor's regulatory requirements and how these apply in-house.
The Law Society as the professional body focuses on guiding solicitors to a position where they’re better able to meet their regulatory requirements and ethical responsibilities, as well as positively influence their organisation’s ethical culture.
The framework’s materials aim to do this by:
- helping solicitors develop skills, strategies and ways of thinking which enable them to achieve these objectives
- strengthening their position in organisations and their ability to perform their role effectively and ethically, and
- pointing towards sources of professional and peer support
Where there is any overlap with the SRA guidance, the framework is intended to be consistent with and to reinforce the SRA’s messages.
Implementing some elements of the framework may require persuasion, particularly in organisations where legal and ethical considerations are sometimes seen as constraints rather than enablers.
In-house solicitors themselves are often best placed to make the case for change, but doing so effectively requires framing the conversation in terms that resonate with stakeholders.
Read our guide on how to position the framework in your organisation.
The in-house ethics framework is not legal advice but represents the Law Society’s view of good practice in this area.
It is not intended to be the only standard of good practice that can be followed and it is not a requirement that it must be followed.
The in-house ethics framework does not necessarily provide a defence to complaints of misconduct.
While we have taken care to ensure the framework is up to date and useful, we will not accept any legal liability in relation to it.