This summer saw major changes to the rule book that governs how solicitors carry out their business, designed to give even more protection to the public and increase further the quality of legal services.

The new Solicitors Code of Conduct, created by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, uses simplified language to ensure that all solicitors understand their duties.

The world in which we and our clients operate is very fast-moving, and it is extremely important that we work in a way that reflects the realities of modern life. So, while we still base the way we operate on some historic principles – upholding justice and the rule of law, acting in the best interests of our clients with integrity and independence – it is refreshing to have a guide that brings the rules right up-to-date and makes legal service delivery as transparent as possible.

Critically, the new rules allow solicitors more flexibility in deciding what is best for their clients, and introduce important changes to how a practice is managed and supervised to ensure the best possible standards of service.

We at Mercers welcome the new Code of Conduct wholeheartedly.