Guideline on Comments to the Media by Solicitors
(Original 1998 - Revised 2009)
The law and the legal profession are of significant interest to the media and their readers, listeners and viewers. Solicitors can work effectively with journalists in responding to their inquiries, as well as act as legal commentators and assist in conveying accurate information to the public.
The Professional Practice Committee approved the following Guideline in May 2009.
Solicitors presenting information to the media in relation to their clients' affairs are acting in a professional capacity. Solicitors should conduct themselves in their public appearances and public statements in the same manner as they would with their fellow practitioners and with the courts.
In making a public statement concerning a client's affairs, a solicitor must (1) have the client’s authority to do so; (2) be satisfied that any communication is in the client's best interests; (3) ensure it is based upon an accurate appreciation of the facts and is not misleading; and (4) in relation to a case which has been decided in court, make clear that the views expressed are those of the client and not of the solicitor. Solicitors should not permit their personal interests or those of other causes to conflict with the client's interests.
