The CILEx Code of Conduct (the Code) applies to all individuals and firms regulated by CILEx Regulation, including CILEX members, CILEx Practitioners and CILEx Authorised Entities, their officers, owners, managers and employees. CILEX-ACCA Probate Entities and practitioners must also comply with the CILEX-ACCA Code of Conduct in the CILEX Regulation-ACCA handbook.
The Codes of Conduct contain nine core principles and sets out the minimum standards of behaviour expected of those we regulate. Each core principle is supported by a series of outcomes which if met, would indicate compliance with the relevant principle to which the outcome relates. The outcomes are not exhaustive.
How the Code applies
You must be able to demonstrate that you have complied with the Principles of the Code and associated outcomes at all times during your professional practice. However, there are times when the Code will also be relevant to your personal life where your conduct has the potential to impact on your reputation as a person we regulate, the reputation of CILEX and/or undermine public trust and confidence in the legal profession as a whole. The closer your conduct is to your professional practice or activities, the more likely we are to take it into account. We will also consider the impact of your conduct on the regulatory objectives under the Legal Services Act 2007.
A failure to comply with the Code where required, may amount to professional misconduct and disciplinary action being taken against you.
CILEx Regulation provides guidance on the Code of Conduct and professional ethics, this guidance is not exhaustive but is intended to help you to understand our expectations of you. If your conduct is called into question, we will consider whether you have followed the guidance and you may be called upon to justify any departure from it.
General practice guidance is also available from the CILEX Practice Advice website.
External codes, principles and rules
If you work in a firm that is regulated by another regulator, you may be required to comply with their Codes and rules, in addition to the CILEX Code of Conduct. Examples include the SRA Standards and Regulations, the CLC Handbook and the OISC Code of Standards.
This list is not exhaustive and you must make sure you are aware of the legal and regulatory obligations that apply to you.
