On 14 May 2025, the Law Society of England and Wales launched the first iteration of its ethical practice framework for in-house solicitors, marking a significant step in supporting legal professionals facing complex workplace ethical challenges. Developed in partnership with the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied (IDEA) Centre at the University of Leeds, the framework provides free tools, templates, and resources to help in-house solicitors navigate issues such as professional independence, organisational pressure, and emerging concerns around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters.
Commissioned by the Law Society and informed by practitioner feedback, the framework was refined through expert interviews and focus groups. It complements existing guidance issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) by reinforcing regulatory obligations while promoting a broader ethical culture within organisations.
Law Society president Richard Atkinson stated that in-house solicitors occupy a unique role as both legal and business advisers, often balancing conflicting responsibilities. The framework, he explained, is a response to calls for more institutional support, helping solicitors understand ethical challenges, practise sound judgment, and maintain their professional independence.
Dr Jim Baxter of the IDEA Centre described the framework as a resource designed to strengthen ethical reasoning and empower solicitors within their organisations, while fostering solidarity in the legal community. The Law Society has opened the framework for consultation and encouraged the in-house community to share feedback as more resources are developed in the coming months.