1. Critically discuss whether or not professional ethics should impose stronger obligations on lawyers in England and Wales to protect third parties from physical or financial harm caused by their clients.
2. Consider to what extent independent legal professions are essential to maintaining the rule of law and the extent to which independence is compromised by the Legal Services Act 2007.
3. Evaluate the case for imposing international standards of conduct for lawyers.
4. Saga, a solicitor, instructs Ronaldo, a barrister, to appear in court on behalf of Alphonso in a civil action against Brin. Consider the lawyers’ responsibilities, and the consequences of ignoring them, in the following circumstances:
a. At an initial case conference Alphonso admits he does not have a strong case.
b. Before the case begins, Saga receives documents from Brin’s solicitors which she thinks they did not mean to send her.
c. After the case begins, Saga discovers that an affidavit sworn by Alphonso contains false information.
d. After the case has finished, but before judgment is given, Ronaldo discovers that opposing counsel had missed an important and relevant case advantageous to Brin.
e. After judgment is handed down, Saga discovers that one of Alphonso’s witnesses gave evidence that was untruthful.