Chambers Code of Conduct

1. Purpose and Status of this Code

1.1 This Code of Conduct sets out the professional and ethical standards expected of all advocates practising from or associated with Chambers, including senior advocates, junior advocates, pupils, clerks, consultants, and support staff (where applicable).

1.2 This Code supplements, and does not replace, the obligations imposed by:

• the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973;

• the Pakistan Bar Council Canons of Professional Conduct and Etiquette;

• applicable High Court Rules and Orders; and

• all other relevant laws and professional regulations.

1.3 In the event of any inconsistency, statutory provisions and bar rules shall prevail.

2. Independent Status of Advocates

2.1 Chambers is not a partnership, law firm, or legal entity providing legal services.

2.2 All advocates practising from or associated with Chambers do so as independent legal practitioners, self-employed and professionally responsible for their own work, instructions, fees, and professional liabilities.

2.3 Nothing in this Code creates an employment relationship, partnership, or joint liability between advocates.

3. Core Professional Duties

Advocates practising from Chambers shall at all times:

• act with honesty, integrity, dignity, and independence;

• maintain absolute fidelity to the cause of justice;

• uphold the honour and traditions of the legal profession; and

• conduct themselves in a manner befitting an officer of the court.

4. Duty to the Court and Administration of Justice

4.1 An advocate’s paramount duty is to the court and the administration of justice.

4.2 Advocates shall:

• act with candour and fairness towards the court;

• refrain from misleading the court, whether by statement, omission, or conduct;

• maintain proper court etiquette and decorum;

• avoid scandalising the judiciary or undermining public confidence in the justice system; and

• comply with lawful directions and orders of the court.

4.3 Personal, commercial, or client interests shall never override this duty.

5. Duty to Clients

5.1 Advocates shall:

• act fearlessly and loyally in the best interests of their clients, within the bounds of law and ethics;

• provide competent, timely, and diligent legal services;

• advise clients honestly, including on risks, prospects, and alternatives;

• avoid unnecessary delay, expense, or procedural abuse; and

• maintain confidentiality of all client information, whether obtained directly or indirectly.

5.2 Advocates shall not guarantee outcomes, misrepresent their expertise, or make misleading claims regarding success.

6. Conflicts of Interest

6.1 Advocates must avoid conflicts of interest, whether actual or potential.

6.2 An advocate shall not:

• accept instructions where professional judgment may be impaired;

• act against a former or existing client where confidential information may be relevant; or

• represent multiple parties with conflicting interests without informed consent, where permitted by law.

6.3 Where a conflict arises, the advocate must promptly disclose it and withdraw where required.

7. Confidentiality and Privilege

7.1 Advocates shall preserve client confidentiality at all times, including after termination of instructions.

7.2 Confidential information shall not be disclosed except:

• with the client’s informed consent;

• where required by law; or

• where necessary to prevent a serious breach of law or professional duty, as recognised under applicable rules.

8. Fees, Billing and Professional Integrity

8.1 Advocates shall charge fees that are fair, reasonable, and consistent with professional norms.

8.2 Fee arrangements should be clearly communicated to clients at the outset or as soon as practicable.

8.3 Advocates shall not:

• engage in fee-splitting or commission-based arrangements prohibited by bar rules;

• accept instructions on terms that compromise professional independence; or

• misuse client funds or retainers.

9. Relations with Opposing Counsel and Colleagues

9.1 Advocates shall treat opposing counsel, colleagues, court staff, and clerks with courtesy and professional respect.

9.2 Personal hostility, intimidation, harassment, or abusive conduct is unacceptable.

9.3 Advocates shall not seek unfair advantage through sharp practice, misrepresentation, or procedural ambush.

10. Chambers Environment and Collegial Conduct

10.1 Chambers is a shared professional environment requiring mutual respect and cooperation.

10.2 Advocates shall:

• respect shared facilities and resources;

• maintain confidentiality of matters involving other members;

• avoid conduct that brings Chambers or the profession into disrepute; and

• support a culture of mentoring, learning, and professional development.

11. Junior Advocates and Training

11.1 Senior advocates have a professional responsibility to guide, mentor, and train junior advocates engaged or practising from Chambers.

11.2 Junior advocates shall:

• act within the scope of their instructions and competence;

• respect supervisory arrangements; and

• observe all ethical and professional obligations applicable to advocates.

11.3 Exploitative, misleading, or unethical arrangements with junior advocates are strictly prohibited.

12. Equality, Diversity and Non-Discrimination

12.1 Chambers is committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination.

12.2 No advocate or staff member shall be discriminated against on the basis of:

• gender, religion, sect, ethnicity, disability, marital status, or socioeconomic background.

12.3 Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory conduct will not be tolerated.

13. Public Statements and Media

13.1 Advocates shall exercise restraint and responsibility in public statements, including on social media.

13.2 Commentary shall not:

• prejudice pending proceedings;

• breach client confidentiality; or

• undermine public confidence in the judiciary or legal profession.

14. Compliance and Professional Discipline

14.1 Alleged breaches of this Code may be addressed internally for chambers governance purposes, without prejudice to any disciplinary jurisdiction of the relevant Bar Council.

14.2 Nothing in this Code limits the authority of:

• Provincial Bar Councils;

• the Pakistan Bar Council; or

• courts and tribunals exercising disciplinary or contempt jurisdiction.

15. Review and Amendment

15.1 This Code shall be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with:

• amendments to bar rules and legislation; and

• evolving professional standards.

15.2 Any revisions shall be communicated to members of Chambers.

16. Commitment

All advocates practising from or associated with Chambers are expected to familiarise themselves with, and adhere to, this Code of Conduct as a condition of professional association with Chambers.