Model Code of Professional Conduct
The Model Code of Professional Conduct was drafted as a national code for Canadian lawyers, and was approved by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada on October 15, 2009.
Model Code of Professional Conduct - Approved October 2009
Conflict Rules - Issued June 2010
Future Harm Exception to Confidentiality Rules - Issued June 2010
Revised Definitions - Issued June 2010
Excerpts from Preface
The Model Code of Professional Conduct was drafted as a national code for Canadian lawyers. It is recognized, however, that regional differences will exist in the applications of the ethical standards. Lawyers who practise outside their home jurisdiction should find the Code useful in identifying these differences.
The Code sets out statements of principles which outline important expected standards of ethical conduct for lawyers. The Code also assists in defining ethical practice and in identifying what is questionable ethically. The entire Model Code should be considered a reliable and instructive guide that establishes only the minimum standard of professional conduct for lawyers.
The practice of law continues to evolve. Advances in technology, changes in the culture of those accessing legal services and the economics associated with practising law will continue to present challenges to lawyers. The ethical guidance provided to lawyers by their regulators should be responsive to this evolution. Rules of conduct should assist, not hinder, lawyers in providing legal services to the public in a way that ensures the public interest is protected. This calls for a framework based on ethical principles that, at the highest level, are immutable. It also calls for a profession that dedicates itself to practise according to the standards of competence, honesty and loyalty. It is hoped that this Model Code will be of assistance in achieving these goals.
For details, visit www.flsc.ca.