Lawyery are proud to be the first law firm in the UK to sign up to the code of ethics for immigration lawyers.  The code is the brainchild of Chris Dias, one of our co-Founders.

We feel that creating a code of ethics for immigration lawyers can help regain the trust of the public, businesses, and the government.  We feel that this is essential for maintaining credibility, integrity and professionalism in this field, where the actions of a few rogue advisors have tarnished the reputation of our profession.

We have created and adopted a 10-point code of ethics for immigration lawyers, that highlight and reinforce key elements of the SRA Code of Conduct which govern all solicitors, and which differentiate solicitors from other immigration advisors:

Client-Centred Approach: Always prioritise the best interests of your clients. Provide honest and transparent advice while respecting their dignity and rights.

Competence and Continuous Learning: Commit to maintaining a high level of competence by staying up-to-date with the latest immigration laws and regulations.
Engage in ongoing professional development and training.

Confidentiality: Safeguard all client information and maintain strict confidentiality. Only share information with client consent or as required by law.
     
Avoid Conflicts of Interest: Identify and avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise the client's best interests. Be transparent and disclose any potential conflicts.
      
Fair and Transparent Billing: Provide clear, fair, and transparent billing practices. Avoid overcharging or taking advantage of vulnerable clients.
      
Ethical Representation: Always provide honest and ethical representation. Do not engage in fraudulent or unethical activities to secure immigration benefits.
      
Access to Justice: Strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or financial situation, have access to legal representation. Consider pro bono work and affordable fee structures.
     
Respect for Diversity: Embrace diversity and treat all clients with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
     
Anti-Discrimination: Do not engage in or support discriminatory practices, including discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or immigration status.
    
Community Engagement: Be an active and responsible member of the legal community. Engage in community service, mentorship, and advocacy to promote fair immigration policies and access to justice.

By adhering to this code of ethics, immigration lawyers can work towards regaining the trust of the public, businesses, and the government, while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their practice.