Professional Responsibility

What the subject is about

Legal practitioners have special privileges and obligations.  Every practitioner must be able to apply the law and ethical principles of professional conduct and practice. 

From the beginning of your career, you must be aware of the principles and obligations of legal practice and of the various rules, rulings, guidelines and duties that support them. 

Subject aim

This subject aims to: 

  1. Make you aware of the statutory provisions and the principles of common law to which the practice of law is subject. 

  2. Help you recognise ethical issues as they arise in practice.

  3. Provide you with the ability to determine the courses of action most appropriate to serve the best interests of the client, the court, the profession, the employer, society and yourself, and to resolve conflicts between the various duties.

Subject objectives 

At the end of this subject you will be able to demonstrate competence in each element of professional responsibility.  

Element 1  Acting Ethically

Unit 1   Acting Ethically in Practice 

Element 2  Complying with Rules Relating to Charging Fees

Unit 2   Establishing Client Retainers and Handling Costs Issues 

Element 3  Discharging the Legal Duties of Practitioners

Unit 3   Complying with the Duties to Account and of Care
Unit 4   Complying with the Law and the Duty to the Court 

Element 4  Complying with Professional Conduct Rules

Unit 5   Complying with Professional Conduct Rules and Standards 

Elements 5 and 6 Complying with Fiduciary Duties and Avoiding Conflicts
of Interest

Unit 6   Complying with Fiduciary Duties and Avoiding Conflicts 

Element 7  Acting Courteously and Professionally

Unit 7   Acting Professionally with the Public and Other Professionals

Assessment method & value

2 hour open book written exam onsite - 100%