Rules and Ethics of Legal Practice

Many people believe that a lawyer's role is limited to representing clients in court. However, the responsibilities of a lawyer extend far beyond that, as defined by the professional conduct rules under Saudi Arabia’s Law of Advocacy. In this article, we explore the general duties of a lawyer towards clients, along with the rights and responsibilities particularly during the termination of a contractual relationship.

Legal and Ethical Foundations of Law Practice

Lawyers are required to follow Islamic Sharia principles and the laws of the state when performing their duties. This includes refraining from practices that violate the honor of the profession and adhering to courtroom rules and professional conduct standards with integrity and discipline.

Avoiding Malicious or Unjust Cases

A lawyer must not accept or continue to represent any case found to be malicious or unjust. If such a fact becomes clear during litigation, the lawyer must withdraw from the case to uphold professional ethics and justice.

Handling Powers of Attorney and Delegation

Lawyers must personally manage their client’s case and cannot delegate tasks without the client's knowledge. Delegation must be explicitly authorized in the official power of attorney issued by a notary. If multiple lawyers are appointed, none may delegate alone unless the authorization clearly permits it.

Professional Conduct During Litigation

Lawyers must show respect to all parties, including opposing parties. They should refrain from defaming others, using delay tactics, or bringing up personal matters unless such information is necessary to achieve justice.

Duties When Ending the Client Relationship

Upon termination of the legal relationship, the lawyer must return all case-related documents to the client. These may not be withheld unless there are confirmed unpaid dues. Even then, client interests must not be compromised.

Conclusion

Complying with professional rules and ethics elevates the status of lawyers and builds trust in the legal system. It is also a fundamental element in ensuring justice and high-quality legal work. In upcoming articles, we will discuss disciplinary procedures and the impact of ethical violations.