Chapter 5 – Relationship to the Administration of Justice

5.1 The Lawyer as Advocate

Advocacy

5.1-1 When acting as an advocate, a lawyer must represent the client resolutely and honourably within the limits of the law, while treating the tribunal with candour, fairness, courtesy, and respect.

Commentary
  1. Role in Adversarial Proceedings – In adversarial proceedings, the lawyer has a duty to the client to raise fearlessly every issue, advance every argument and ask every question, however distasteful, that the lawyer thinks will help the client’s case and to endeavour to obtain for the client the benefit of every remedy and defence authorized by law. The lawyer must discharge this duty by fair and honourable means, without illegality and in a manner that is consistent with the lawyer’s duty to treat the tribunal with candour, fairness, courtesy and respect and in a way that promotes the parties’ right to a fair hearing in which justice can be done. Maintaining dignity, decorum and courtesy in the courtroom is not an empty formality because, unless order is maintained, rights cannot be protected.
  2. This rule applies to the lawyer as advocate, and therefore extends not only to court proceedings but also to appearances and proceedings before boards, administrative tribunals, arbitrators, mediators and others who resolve disputes, regardless of their function or the informality of their procedures.
  3. The lawyer’s function as advocate is openly and necessarily partisan. Accordingly, the lawyer is not obliged (except as required by law or under these rules and subject to the duties of a prosecutor set out below) to assist an adversary or advance matters harmful to the client’s case.
  4. In adversarial proceedings that will likely affect the health, welfare or security of a child, a lawyer should advise the client to take into account the best interests of the child, if this can be done without prejudicing the legitimate interests of the client.
  5. A lawyer should refrain from expressing the lawyer’s personal opinions on the merits of a client’s case to a court or tribunal.
  6. When opposing interests are not represented, for example, in without notice or uncontested matters or in other situations in which the full proof and argument inherent in the adversarial system cannot be achieved, the lawyer must take particular care to be accurate, candid and comprehensive in presenting the client’s case so as to ensure that the tribunal is not misled.
  7. The lawyer should never waive or abandon the client’s legal rights, such as an available defence under a statute of limitations, without the client’s informed consent.
  8. In civil proceedings, a lawyer should avoid and discourage the client from resorting to frivolous or vexatious objections, attempts to gain advantage from slips or oversights not going to the merits or tactics that will merely delay or harass the other side. Such practices can readily bring the administration of justice and the legal profession into disrepute.
  9. Duty as Defence Counsel – When defending an accused person, a lawyer’s duty is to protect the client as far as possible from being convicted, except by a tribunal of competent jurisdiction and upon legal evidence sufficient to support a conviction for the offence with which the client is charged. Accordingly, and notwithstanding the lawyer’s private opinion on credibility or the merits, a lawyer may properly rely on any evidence or defences, including so-called technicalities, not known to be false or fraudulent.
  10. Admissions made by the accused to a lawyer may impose strict limitations on the conduct of the defence, and the accused should be made aware of this. For example, if the accused clearly admits to the lawyer the factual and mental elements necessary to constitute the offence, the lawyer, if convinced that the admissions are true and voluntary, may properly take objection to the jurisdiction of the court, the form of the indictment or the admissibility or sufficiency of the evidence, but must not suggest that some other person committed the offence or call any evidence that, by reason of the admissions, the lawyer believes to be false. Nor may the lawyer set up an affirmative case inconsistent with such admissions, for example, by calling evidence in support of an alibi intended to show that the accused could not have done or, in fact, has not done the act. Such admissions will also impose a limit on the extent to which the lawyer may attack the evidence for the prosecution. The lawyer is entitled to test the evidence given by each individual witness for the prosecution and argue that the evidence taken as a whole is insufficient to amount to proof that the accused is guilty of the offence charged, but the lawyer should go no further than that.

5.1-2 When acting as an advocate, a lawyer must not:

  • abuse the process of the tribunal by instituting or prosecuting proceedings that, although legal in themselves, are clearly motivated by malice on the part of the client and are brought solely for the purpose of injuring the other party;
  • knowingly assist or permit a client to do anything that the lawyer considers to be dishonest or dishonourable;
  • appear before a judicial officer when the lawyer, the lawyer’s associates or the client have business or personal relationships with the officer that give rise to or might reasonably appear to give rise to pressure, influence or inducement affecting the impartiality of the officer, unless all parties consent and it is in the interests of justice;
  • endeavour or allow anyone else to endeavour, directly or indirectly, to influence the decision or action of a tribunal or any of its officials in any case or matter by any means other than open persuasion as an advocate;
  • knowingly attempt to deceive a tribunal or influence the course of justice by offering false evidence, misstating facts or law, presenting or relying upon a false or deceptive affidavit, suppressing what ought to be disclosed or otherwise assisting in any fraud, crime or illegal conduct;
  • knowingly misstate the contents of a document, the testimony of a witness, the substance of an argument or the provisions of a statute or like authority;
  • knowingly assert as true a fact when its truth cannot reasonably be supported by the evidence or as a matter of which notice may be taken by the tribunal;
  • make suggestions to a witness recklessly or knowing them to be false;
  • deliberately refrain from informing a tribunal of any binding authority that the lawyer considers to be directly on point and that has not been mentioned by another party;
  • improperly dissuade a witness from giving evidence or advise a witness to be absent;
  • knowingly permit a witness or party to be presented in a false or misleading way or to impersonate another;
  • knowingly misrepresent the client’s position in the litigation or the issues to be determined in the litigation
  • needlessly abuse, hector or harass a witness;
  • attempt to gain a benefit for the complainant by threatening the laying of a criminal or quasi-criminal charge or complaint to a regulatory authority by offering to seek or to procure the withdrawal of a criminal or quasi-criminal charge or complaint to a regulatory authority;
  • needlessly inconvenience a witness; or
  • appear before a court or tribunal while under the influence of alcohol or a drug.

Amended February 26, 2016

Commentary
  1. In civil proceedings, a lawyer has a duty not to mislead the tribunal about the position of the client in the adversarial process. Thus, a lawyer representing a party to litigation who has made or is party to an agreement made before or during the trial by which a plaintiff is guaranteed recovery by one or more parties, notwithstanding the judgment of the court, should immediately reveal the existence and particulars of the agreement to the court and to all parties to the proceedings.
  2. A lawyer representing an accused or potential accused may communicate with a complainant or potential complainant, for example, to obtain factual information, to arrange for restitution or an apology from the accused, or to defend or settle any civil claims between the accused and the complainant. However, when the complainant or potential complaint is vulnerable, the lawyer must take care not to take unfair or improper advantage of the circumstances. If the complainant or potential complainant is unrepresented, the lawyer should be governed by the rules about unrepresented persons and make it clear that the lawyer is acting exclusively in the interests of the accused or potential accused. When communicating with an unrepresented complainant or potential complainant, it is prudent to have a witness present.
  3. It is an abuse of the court’s process to threaten to bring an action or to offer to seek withdrawal of a criminal charge in order to gain a benefit. See also rules 3.2-5 and 3.2-6 and accompanying commentary.
  4. When examining a witness, a lawyer may pursue any hypothesis that is honestly advanced on the strength of reasonable inference, experience or intuition.

Incriminating Physical Evidence

5.1-2A A lawyer must not counsel or participate in the concealment, destruction or alteration of incriminating physical evidence or otherwise act so as to obstruct or attempt to obstruct the course of justice.

Amended May 27, 2016

Commentary
  1. In this rule, “evidence” does not depend upon admissibility before a tribunal or upon the existence of criminal charges. It includes documents, electronic information, objects or substances relevant to a crime, criminal investigation or a criminal prosecution. It does not include documents or communications that are solicitor-client privileged or that the lawyer reasonably believes are otherwise available to the authorities.
  2. This rule does not apply where a lawyer is in possession of evidence tending to establish the innocence of a client, such as evidence relevant to an alibi. However, a lawyer must exercise prudent judgment in determining whether such evidence is wholly exculpatory, and therefore falls outside of the application of this rule. For example, if the evidence is both incriminating and exculpatory, improperly dealing with it may result in a breach of the rule and also expose a lawyer to criminal charges.
  3. A lawyer is never required to take or keep possession of incriminating physical evidence or to disclose its mere existence. Possession of illegal things could constitute an offense. A lawyer in possession of incriminating physical evidence should carefully consider his or her options. These options include, as soon as reasonably possible:
  • delivering the evidence to law enforcement authorities or the prosecution, either directly or anonymously;
  • delivering the evidence to the tribunal in the relevant proceeding, which may also include seeking the direction of the tribunal to facilitate access by the prosecution or defence for testing or examination; or
  • disclosing the existence of the evidence to the prosecution and, if necessary, preparing to argue before a tribunal the appropriate uses, disposition or admissibility of it.
  1. A lawyer should balance the duty of loyalty and confidentiality owed to the client with the duties owed to the administration of justice. When a lawyer discloses or delivers incriminating physical evidence to law enforcement authorities or the prosecution, the lawyer has a duty to protect client confidentiality, including the client’s identity, and to preserve solicitor-client privilege. This may be accomplished by the lawyer retaining independent counsel, who is not informed of the identity of the client and who is instructed not to disclose the identity of the instructing lawyer, to disclose or deliver the evidence.  A lawyer cannot merely continue to keep possession of the incriminating physical evidence.
  2. A lawyer has no obligation to assist the authorities in gathering physical evidence of crime but cannot act or advise anyone to hinder an investigation or a prosecution. The lawyer’s advice to a client that the client has the right to refuse to divulge the location of physical evidence does not constitute hindering an investigation. A lawyer who becomes aware of the existence of incriminating physical evidence or declines to take possession of it must not counsel or participate in its concealment, destruction or alteration.
  3. A lawyer may determine that non-destructive testing, examination or copying of documentary or electronic information is needed. A lawyer should ensure that there is no concealment, destruction or any alteration of the evidence and should exercise caution in this area. For example, opening or copying an electronic document may alter it. A lawyer who has decided to copy, test or examine evidence before delivery or disclosure should do so without delay.

Amended May 26, 2017

Ex Parte Proceedings

5.1-2B In an ex parte proceeding, a lawyer must act with utmost good faith and inform the tribunal of all material facts, including adverse facts, known to the lawyer that will enable the tribunal to make an informed decision.

Commentary

  1. Ex parte proceedings are exceptional. The obligation to inform the tribunal of all material facts includes an obligation of full, fair and candid disclosure to the tribunal (see also Rules 5.1-1, 5.1-2).
  2. The obligation to disclose all relevant information and evidence is subject to a lawyer’s duty to maintain confidentiality and privilege (see Rule 3.3).
  3. Before initiating ex parte proceedings, a lawyer should ensure that the proceedings are permitted by law and are justified in the circumstances. Where no prejudice would occur, a lawyer should consider giving notice to the opposing party or their lawyer (when they are represented), notwithstanding the ability to proceed ex parte.


Amended January 27, 2023

Single-Party Communications with a Tribunal

5.1-2C Except where authorized by law, and subject to rule 5.1-2B, a lawyer must not communicate with a tribunal in the absence of the opposing party or their lawyer (when they are represented) concerning any matter of substance, unless the opposing party or their lawyer has been made aware of the content of the communication or has appropriate notice of the communication.

Commentary

  1. It is improper for a lawyer to attempt to influence, discuss a matter with, or make submissions to, a tribunal without the knowledge of the other party or the lawyer for the other party (when they are represented). A lawyer should be particularly diligent to avoid improper single-party communications when engaging with a tribunal by electronic means, such as email correspondence.
  2. When a tribunal invites or requests a communication from a lawyer, the lawyer should inform the other party or their lawyer. As a general rule, the other party or their lawyer should be copied on communications to the tribunal or given advance notice of the communication.
  3. This rule does not prohibit single-party communication with a tribunal on routine administrative or procedural matters, such as scheduling hearing dates or appearances. A lawyer should consider notifying the other party or their lawyer of administrative communications with the tribunal. Routine administrative communications should not include any submissions dealing with the substance of the matter or its merits.
  4. This rule does not prohibit single-party communication with a tribunal on routine administrative or procedural matters, such as scheduling hearing dates or appearances. A lawyer should consider notifying the other party or their lawyer of administrative communications with the tribunal. Routine administrative communications should not include any submissions dealing with the substance of the matter or its merits.

Amended January 27, 2023

Duty as Prosecutor

5.1-3 When acting as a prosecutor, a lawyer must act for the public and the administration of justice resolutely and honourably within the limits of the law while treating the tribunal with candour, fairness, courtesy and respect.[1]

Commentary
  1. When engaged as a prosecutor, the lawyer’s primary duty is not to seek to convict but to see that justice is done through a fair trial on the merits. The prosecutor exercises a public function involving much discretion and power and must act fairly and dispassionately. The prosecutor should not do anything that might prevent the accused from being represented by counsel or communicating with counsel and, to the extent required by law and accepted practice, should make timely disclosure to defence counsel or directly to an unrepresented accused of all relevant and known facts and witnesses, whether tending to show guilt or innocence.

Disclosure of Error or Omission

5.1-4 A lawyer who has unknowingly done or failed to do something that, if done or omitted knowingly, would have been in breach of this rule and who discovers it, must, subject to section 3.3 (Confidentiality), disclose the error or omission and do all that can reasonably be done in the circumstances to rectify it.

Commentary
  1. If a client desires that a course be taken that would involve a breach of this rule, the lawyer must refuse and do everything reasonably possible to prevent it. If that cannot be done, the lawyer should, subject to rule 3.7-1 (Withdrawal from Representation), withdraw or seek leave to do so.

Courtesy

5.1-5 A lawyer must be courteous and civil and act in good faith to the tribunal and all persons with whom the lawyer has dealings.

Commentary
  1. Legal contempt of court and the professional obligation outlined here are not identical, and a consistent pattern of rude, provocative or disruptive conduct by a lawyer, even though unpunished as contempt, may constitute professional misconduct.

Undertakings

5.1-6 A lawyer must strictly and scrupulously fulfill any undertakings given and honour any trust conditions accepted in the course of litigation.

Commentary
  1. A lawyer should also be guided by the provisions of rule 7.2-11 (Undertakings and Trust Conditions).

Agreement on Guilty Plea

5.1-7 Before a charge is laid or at any time after a charge is laid, a lawyer for an accused or potential accused may discuss with the prosecutor the possible disposition of the case, unless the client instructs otherwise.

5.1-8 A lawyer for an accused or potential accused may enter into an agreement with the prosecutor about a guilty plea if, following investigation,

  • the lawyer advises his or her client about the prospects for an acquittal or finding of guilt;
  • the lawyer advises the client of the implications and possible consequences of a guilty plea and particularly of the sentencing authority and discretion of the court, including the fact that the court is not bound by any agreement about a guilty plea;
  • the client voluntarily is prepared to admit the necessary factual and mental elements of the offence charged; and
  • the client voluntarily instructs the lawyer to enter into an agreement as to a guilty plea.
Commentary
  1. The public interest in the proper administration of justice should not be sacrificed in the interest of expediency.

[1] In reviewing matters involving the exercise of prosecutorial discretion by a Crown prosecutor, the Executive Director and the members of the Complaints Investigation Committee will be guided by the following from the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Krieger v. Law Society of Alberta, 2002 SCC 65:

50. There is a clear distinction between prosecutorial discretion and professional conduct. It is only the latter that can be regulated by the Law Society. The Law Society has the jurisdiction to investigate any alleged breach of its ethical standards, even those committed by the Crown prosecutors in connection with their prosecutorial discretion.

51. Review by the Law Society for bad faith or improper purpose by a prosecutor does not constitute a review of the exercise of prosecutorial discretion per se, since an official action which is undertaken in bad faith or for improper motives is not within the scope of the powers of the Attorney General. As stated by McIntyre J. in his concurrence in Nelles, supra, at p. 211: “public officers are entitled to no special immunities or privileges when they act beyond the powers which are accorded to them by law in their official capacities”. We agree with the observation of MacKenzie J. that “conduct amounting to bad faith or dishonesty is beyond the pale of prosecutorial discretion” (para. 55).

The duties in this Code generally apply, mutatis mutandis, to lawyers acting as prosecutors who are not full-time or part-time Crown Attorneys. This will include a lawyer who has conduct of proceedings in the name of an on behalf of any complainant in any proceeding against an accused who may be convicted of any offence or charge and as a result face fine, punishment or any other penalty including reprimand or suspension or dismissal from any employment, activity or organization.

5.2 The Lawyer as Witness

Submission of Evidence

5.2-1 A lawyer who appears as advocate must not testify or submit his or her own affidavit evidence before the tribunal unless permitted to do so by law, the tribunal, the rules of court or the rules of procedure of the tribunal, or unless the matter is purely formal or uncontroverted.

Commentary
  1. A lawyer should not express personal opinions or beliefs or assert as a fact anything that is properly subject to legal proof, cross-examination or challenge. The lawyer should not, in effect, appear as an unsworn witness or put the lawyer’s own credibility in issue. The lawyer who is a necessary witness should testify and entrust the conduct of the case to another lawyer. There are no restrictions on the advocate’s right to cross-examine another lawyer, however, and the lawyer who does appear as a witness should not expect or receive special treatment because of professional status.

Appeals


5.2-2 A lawyer who is a witness in proceedings must not appear as advocate in any appeal from the decision in those proceedings, unless the matter about which he or she testified is purely formal or uncontroverted.

5.3 Interviewing Witnesses

Interviewing Witnesses

5.3-1 [Deleted]

Amended April 22, 2016

5.4 Communicating with Witnesses

Potential and expert witnesses

5.4-1 A lawyer may seek information from any potential witness, provided that:

  • before doing so, the lawyer discloses the lawyer’s interest in the matter;
  • the lawyer does not encourage the witness to suppress evidence or to refrain from providing information to other parties in the matter; and
  • the lawyer observes Rules 7.2-6 to 7.2-8 on communicating with represented parties.
Commentary
  1. There is generally no property in a witness. Any party to an action may take a statement from a witness or call a witness to give evidence in court. To achieve the truth-seeking goal of the justice system, any person having information relevant to a proceeding should be free to impart it voluntarily and in the absence of improper influence. A lawyer should not advise a potential witness to refrain from speaking to other parties except as provided in this rule.
  2. Special considerations may apply when communicating with expert witnesses. Depending on the area of practice and the jurisdiction, there may be legal or procedural limitations on the permissible scope of a lawyer’s contact with an expert witness, including the application of litigation or solicitor-client privilege. This may include notifying an opposing party’s counsel prior to communicating with that party’s expert witness.

Amended April 22, 2016

Conduct during Witness Preparation and Testimony

5.4-2 A lawyer must not influence a witness or potential witness to give evidence that is false, misleading or evasive.

Amended April 22, 2016

No Obstruction

5.4-3 A lawyer involved in a proceeding must not obstruct an examination or cross-examination in any manner.

Commentary

Preparing Witnesses

  1. The ethical duty against improperly influencing a witness or a potential witness applies at all stages of a proceeding, including while preparing a witness to give evidence or to make a statement, and during testimony under oath or affirmation. The role of an advocate is to assist the witness in bringing forth the evidence in a manner that ensures fair and accurate comprehension by the tribunal and opposing parties.
  2. A lawyer may prepare a witness, for discovery and for appearances before tribunals, by discussing courtroom and questioning procedures and the issues in the case, reviewing facts, refreshing memory, and by discussing admissions, choice of words and demeanour. It is, however, improper to direct or encourage a witness to misstate or misrepresent the facts or to give evidence that is intentionally evasive or vague.

Witnesses Under Oath or Affirmation Before a Tribunal

  1. During any witness testimony under oath or affirmation, a lawyer should not engage in conduct designed to improperly influence the witness’ evidence.
  2. The ability of a lawyer to communicate with a witness at a specific stage of a proceeding will be influenced by the practice, procedures or directions of the relevant tribunal, and may be modified by agreement of counsel with the approval of the tribunal. Lawyers should become familiar with the rules and practices of the relevant tribunal governing communication with witnesses during examination-in-chief and cross-examination, and prior to or during re-examination.
  3. In Nova Scotia, a lawyer may not communicate with a witness during examination in chief except with leave of the tribunal.
  4. It is generally accepted that a lawyer is not permitted to communicate with the witness during cross-examination except with leave of the tribunal or with the agreement of counsel. The opportunity to conduct a full-ranging and uninterrupted cross-examination is fundamental to the adversarial system. It is counterbalanced by an opposing advocate’s ability to ensure clarity of testimony through initial briefing, direct examination and re-examination of that lawyer’s witnesses. There is therefore no justification for obstruction of cross-examination by unreasonable interruptions, repeated objections to proper questions, attempts to have the witness change or tailor evidence, or other similar conduct while the examination is ongoing.
  5. A lawyer should seek approval from the tribunal before speaking with a witness after cross-examination and before re-examination

Discoveries and Other Examinations

  1. Section 5.4 also applies to examinations under oath or affirmation that are not before a tribunal including examinations for discovery, examinations on affidavits and examinations in aid of execution. Lawyers should scrupulously avoid any attempts to influence witness testimony, particularly as the tribunal is unable to directly monitor compliance. This rule is not intended to prevent
  • discussions or consultations that are necessary to fulfil undertakings given during such examinations; or
  • communication with a witness that is consented to by counsel or authorized by the tribunal.
  1. While any testimony-related discussion is generally prohibited during breaks, there are two qualifications to the rule as it relates to examinations for discovery. First, if the examination for discovery of a witness is adjourned, it is permissible for counsel to discuss with the witness all issues arising out of the matter, including evidence that has been or is to be given, provided that opposing counsel has been advised of the lawyer’s intention to do so. Second, if opposing counsel objects, the lawyer is not permitted to communicate with the witness except with leave of the tribunal.

5.5 Relations with Jurors

Communications before Trial

5.5-1 When acting as an advocate before the trial of a case, a lawyer must not communicate with or cause another to communicate with anyone that the lawyer knows to be a member of the jury panel for that trial.

Commentary
  1. A lawyer may investigate a prospective juror to ascertain any basis for challenge, provided that the lawyer does not directly or indirectly communicate with the prospective juror or with any member of the prospective juror’s family. But a lawyer should not conduct or cause another, by financial support or otherwise, to conduct a vexatious or harassing investigation of either a member of the jury panel or a juror.

Disclosure of Information

5.5-2 Unless the judge and opposing counsel have previously been made aware of the information, a lawyer acting as an advocate must disclose to them any information of which the lawyer is aware that a juror or prospective juror:

  • has or may have an interest, direct or indirect, in the outcome of the case;
  • is acquainted with or connected in any manner with the presiding judge, any counsel or any litigant; or
  • is acquainted with or connected in any manner with any person who has appeared or who is expected to appear as a witness.

5.5-3 A lawyer must promptly disclose to the court any information that the lawyer reasonably believes discloses improper conduct by a member of a jury panel or by a juror.

Communication During Trial

5.5-4 Except as permitted by law, a lawyer acting as an advocate must not communicate with or cause another to communicate with any member of the jury during a trial of a case.

5.5-5 A lawyer who is not connected with a case before the court must not communicate with or cause another to communicate with any member of the jury about the case.

5.5-6 A lawyer must not have any discussion after trial with a member of the jury about its deliberations.

Commentary
  1. The restrictions on communications with a juror or potential juror should also apply to communications with or investigations of members of his or her family.

5.6 The Lawyer and the Administration of Justice

Encouraging Respect for the Administration of Justice

5.6-1 A lawyer must encourage public respect for and try to improve the administration of justice.

Commentary
  1. The obligation outlined in the rule is not restricted to the lawyer’s professional activities but is a general responsibility resulting from the lawyer’s position in the community. A lawyer’s responsibilities are greater than those of a private citizen. A lawyer should take care not to weaken or destroy public confidence in legal institutions or authorities by irresponsible allegations. The lawyer in public life should be particularly careful in this regard because the mere fact of being a lawyer will lend weight and credibility to public statements. Yet, for the same reason, a lawyer should not hesitate to speak out against an injustice.
  2. Admission to and continuance in the practice of law implies, on the part of a lawyer, a basic commitment to the concept of equal justice for all within an open, ordered and impartial system. However, judicial institutions will not function effectively unless they command the respect of the public, and, because of changes in human affairs and imperfections in human institutions, constant efforts must be made to improve the administration of justice and thereby, to maintain public respect for it.
  3. Criticizing Tribunals – Proceedings and decisions of courts and tribunals are properly subject to scrutiny and criticism by all members of the public, including lawyers, but judges and members of tribunals are often prohibited by law or custom from defending themselves. Their inability to do so imposes special responsibilities upon lawyers. First, a lawyer should avoid criticism that is petty, intemperate or unsupported by a bona fide belief in its real merit, since, in the eyes of the public, professional knowledge lends weight to the lawyer’s judgments or criticism. Second, if a lawyer has been involved in the proceedings, there is the risk that any criticism may be, or may appear to be, partisan rather than objective. Third, when a tribunal is the object of unjust criticism, a lawyer, as a participant in the administration of justice, is uniquely able to, and should, support the tribunal, both because its members cannot defend themselves and because, in doing so, the lawyer contributes to greater public understanding of, and therefore respect for, the legal system.
  4. A lawyer, by training, opportunity and experience, is in a position to observe the workings and discover the strengths and weaknesses of laws, legal institutions and public authorities. A lawyer should, therefore, lead in seeking improvements in the legal system, but any criticisms and proposals should be bona fide and reasoned.

Seeking Legislative or Administrative Changes

5.6-2 A lawyer who seeks legislative or administrative changes must disclose the interest being advanced, whether the lawyer’s interest, the client’s interest or the public interest.

Commentary
  1. The lawyer may advocate legislative or administrative changes on behalf of a client although not personally agreeing with them, but the lawyer who purports to act in the public interest should espouse only those changes that the lawyer conscientiously believes to be in the public interest.

Security of Court Facilities

5.6-3 A lawyer who has reasonable grounds for believing that a dangerous situation is likely to develop at a court facility must inform the persons having responsibility for security at the facility and give particulars.

Commentary
  1. If possible, the lawyer should suggest solutions to the anticipated problem such as:
  • further security, or
  • reserving judgment.
  1. If possible, the lawyer should also notify other lawyers who are known to be involved in proceedings at the court facility where the dangerous situation is likely to develop. Beyond providing a warning of danger, this notice is desirable because it may allow them to suggest security measures that do not interfere with an accused’s or a party’s right to a fair trial.
  2. If client information is involved in those situations, the lawyer should be guided by the provisions of section 3.3 (Confidentiality).

5.7 Lawyers and Mediators

Role of Mediator

5.7-1 A lawyer who acts as a mediator must, at the outset of the mediation, ensure that the parties to it understand fully that:

  • the lawyer is not acting as a lawyer for either party but, as mediator, is acting to assist the parties to resolve the matters in issue; and
  • although communications pertaining to and arising out of the mediation process may be covered by some other common law privilege, they will not be covered by solicitor-client privilege.
Commentary
  1. In acting as a mediator, generally a lawyer should not give legal advice, as opposed to legal information, to the parties during the mediation process. This does not preclude the mediator from giving direction on the consequences if the mediation fails.
  2. Generally, neither the lawyer-mediator nor a partner or associate of the lawyer-mediator should render legal representation or give legal advice to either party to the mediation, bearing in mind the provisions of section 3.4 (Conflicts) and its commentaries and the common law authorities.
  3. If the parties have not already done so, a lawyer-mediator generally should suggest that they seek the advice of separate counsel before and during the mediation process, and encourage them to do so.
  4. If, in the mediation process, the lawyer-mediator prepares a draft contract for the consideration of the parties, the lawyer-mediator should expressly advise and encourage them to seek separate independent legal representation concerning the draft contract.