By: The Uncertain Solicitor, 4 September 2024

Do a solicitor’s professional duties mean they have to work for clients, even if the solicitor believes the matter they are advising on will cause significant material harm?

The Uncertain Solicitor, September 2024

This article explores whether solicitors are professionally obligated to work for clients even if they believe their advice will contribute to significant harm, such as environmental damage. Many solicitors claim they are bound to act for clients in such cases, but the article challenges this notion. It references the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) principles, including acting with integrity, upholding public trust, and acting in clients’ best interests. Should solicitors refuse to work on matters that could cause harm due to integrity? The article claims that solicitors are not obligated to accept every client, especially if they believe their advice will lead to harmful consequences.