LEGAL ETHICS FOR SASKATCHEWAN LAWYERS The 2012 Code of Professional Conduct “In Context” OUTLINE: 1 Objectives for the Session a. A Framework for Ethics b. Key Ethical Principles from Jurisprudence and Codes, old and new c. The new Code provisions “in context” 2 The Traditional Conception of the Lawyer’s Role and Legal Ethics a. Queen Caroline’s Case and Lord Brougham b. R. v. Neil, citing Queen Caroline’s Case c. Codes of Professional Conduct 3 The Non-Intuitive Nature of Legal Ethics a. Drafting a Will - scenario b. Disclosure of Binding Adverse Authority 4 The Commencement of the Lawyer-Client Relationship a. The Former Code Provision b. Descoteaux v. Mierzwinski c. The NEW Code Provision d. Duties Owed by the Lawyer to the Client i. Loyalty ii. Integrity iii. Competence & Quality of Service iv. Honesty & Candour v. Confidentiality 5 Confidentiality and Privilege a. The Central Nature of the Duty of Confidentiality b. Differences between Confidentiality and Privilege c. Trends in the Duties of Confidentiality and Privilege d. Relevant Code Provisions _____________________________________________________________________________________ Saskatchewan Code of Professional Conduct – Training Session – 2012 Instructor: Brent Cotter, Q.C. e. Exceptions i. Innocence at Stake a. R. v. McClure ii. Crime/Fraud iii. Legislative Exceptions a. Descôteaux v. Mierzwinski b. Goodis v. Ontario (Ministry of Correctional Services) c. Law Society of Saskatchewan v. Merchant d. Federation of Law Societies of Canada v. Canada (Attorney General) iv. Real Evidence a. R. v. Murray v. Future Harm/Public Safety a. Smith v. Jones b. “Future Harm” and the Code – scenario and discussion 6 Conflicts of Interest a. Client-Client Conflicts i. The Supreme Court Trilogy ii. SK Code - Current Client Conflicts iii. SK Code – Former Client Conflicts iv. SK Code – Joint Representation, etc. v. SK Code - Consent vi. Recent Saskatchewan Cases b. Lawyer-Client Conflicts i. Financial and Business Relationships ii. Personal Relationships 7 Termination of the Lawyer-Client Relationship a. SK Code Provisions b. R. v. Cunningham 8 Other Duties Owed by Lawyers a. Duties Owed to the Court b. Duties Owed to Other Lawyers c. Duties Owed to the Administration of Justice 9 Ancillary Provisions 10 An Ethical Dilemma – video and discussion _____________________________________________________________________________________ Saskatchewan Code of Professional Conduct – Training Session – 2012 Instructor: Brent Cotter, Q.C. 11 Trends in the Legal Profession (time permitting) a. The Role of the Federation of Law Societies and Governance Developments i. Model Code ii. Entry Standards a. FLSC Task Force on Legal Education b. Admission Standards iii. Discipline iv. NCA v. Active engagement in ‘legal profession’ litigation b. Challenges to Self-Regulation c. Lawyer Discipline – Process, Jurisprudence, Sanctions, ’Negligence’ d. Trends toward National and International Practice e. Trends toward Interdisciplinary Practices f. Access to Justice – Cost, Pro Bono, Limited Scope Representation, etc. g. Demography h. The Role of Non-Lawyers i. Trends Toward Non-Lawyer Ownership of Law Firms _____________________________________________________________________________________ Saskatchewan Code of Professional Conduct – Training Session – 2012 Instructor: Brent Cotter, Q.C.