In brief
Ten principles, including the independence of lawyers, the avoidance of conflicts of interest, loyalty to clients and respect towards professional collleagues, have been identified as uniting the European legal profession. The Charter of Core Principles of the European Legal Profession, adopted by the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), reflects the move towards harmonisation of the ethical codes of the European legal profession, says CCBE president, Manuel Cavaleiro Brandao. “The core principles are essential for the proper administration of justice, access to justice and the right to a fair trial,” he adds.
