What you tell a lawyer about your legal problem stays with the lawyer. That assurance is called a lawyer s duty of confidentiality which is protected by solicitor-client privilege. Solicitor-client privilege is a legal concept that dates back to the beginning of our legal system. This means that your lawyer will not talk about your case with anyone not even your family or friends without your permission. As a client, you have to be honest and up front with your lawyer so your lawyer can do a job well for you, and solicitor-client privilege promises that you can talk freely and openly with your lawyer without being afraid that what you say will be repeated.
Lawyers have many other duties to protect the interests of their clients.
They must always act in their clients best interests and do so ethically and responsibly. The Barristers and Solicitors Act, the Society s Regulations and The Legal Ethics and Professional Conduct Handbook outline the guidelines that lawyers must follow. A lawyer's qualifications Centuries ago in Britain, lawyers who went to court stood behind a wooden bar in front of a judge to argue on behalf of their clients. These lawyers became known as barristers. They did all the court work.