ISBNLookup.org

Ethics Handbook

Questions and Answers

By: Russell Cocks

Publisher: Unknown
Published: 2004
Language: Unknown
Format: BOOK
Pages: 175
ISBN: 9781920810030

About This Book

A prominent characteristic of the modern legal profession is the need for lawyers to deal with challenging ethical dilemmas. It is an aspect of practice that has developed due to the increasing complexity of client arrangements, commercial realities and national and international responsibilities. This book is based on rulings of the Law Institute's Ethics Committee, which meets monthly to deliberate on requests for guidance from practising lawyers facing ethical dilemmas in their day-to-day working lives.

AI Overview

The "Ethics Handbook: Questions and Answers" by Russell Cocks is a practical guide aimed at solicitors and legal professionals in Australia. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. Diagnosing Ethical Dilemmas: The handbook begins by providing guidance on how to identify and address ethical dilemmas in legal practice.
  2. Duty to Communicate - The Retainer: A significant portion of the book focuses on the lawyer's duty to communicate effectively, particularly in the context of retainers and client relationships.
  3. Lawyer's Duties: The author emphasizes the three primary duties of a lawyer: to the client, to the court, and to the profession. The majority of the handbook is devoted to the lawyer's duty to the client, covering topics such as retainers, costs, liens, and conflicts of interest.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide practical advice and guidance on ethical issues that solicitors commonly face. It includes commentary and rulings from the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) on various matters related to legal ethics. The author, Russell Cocks, draws from his 13 years of experience as a solicitor and his lectures in legal practice and ethics at Deakin University, Melbourne.

Critical Reception

The handbook has received positive reviews for its practical approach to ethical dilemmas in legal practice. Peter Carter, in his review, describes the handbook as an "excellent guide to most practical ethical dilemmas facing solicitors" and highlights its value in its practicality and inclusion of LIV rulings and resolutions.

Additional Information

  • Publication Details: The book was published in 2004 by the Law Institute of Victoria, Melbourne, and it contains 186 pages.
  • Target Audience: The handbook is specifically designed for solicitors and legal professionals in Australia, providing them with practical tools to navigate ethical issues in their practice.

Overall, the "Ethics Handbook: Questions and Answers" by Russell Cocks is a valuable resource for legal professionals seeking to understand and address the ethical challenges they encounter in their practice. Its practical approach and inclusion of LIV rulings make it an essential guide for those in the legal field.