The answer lies at the heart of the profession itself. The Code of Ethics for Lawyers, the code of conduct that every lawyer must comply with, states right from the start in Article 1:

"The lawyer exercises his profession competently while respecting professional secrecy, the essential duties of independence and partiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest. He respects the principles of dignity, rectitude and discretion, which underpin the profession."

These words summarise what the essence of the profession is. It is the heart of the profession and is essential to ensure public confidence in the justice system. But what do these principles mean concretely?

Expertise: knowledge and competence

Lawyers must practice with thorough knowledge and skills. This means that they:

Constantly study legislation and legal developments.
Make a thorough analysis of your situation and legal options.
Apply their knowledge to best defend your rights. Expertise is not a vas end point, but a constant responsibility to keep up and grow in the profession.

Independence: free from influence

Lawyers must act independently, without being influenced by others. This means:

That they decide freely with you what steps are best in your case.
That personal, political or other interests should not play a role.
That the lawyer should not be influenced by third-party pressure. Independence guarantees that your lawyer always has one interest in mind: yours, within the limits of the law.

Partisanship: your best interests at heart

A lawyer is on your side. Who defends your rights, your interests and your story. Partisanship means:

That your lawyer puts forward your rights and position with conviction, without violating your trust.
That your lawyer stands by you even if your position is difficult or unpopular. After all, everyone has the right to a defence.

Conflicts of interest: clarity and integrity

Lawyers should avoid conflicts of interest. This means that they should never assist two parties whose interests conflict. Transparency and integrity are key here: your lawyer should always be honest about potential conflicts and avoid them.

Dignity, righteousness and respectability: more than behaviour

Together, these three words form the backbone of the behavior expected of a lawyer, both during and outside work:

Dignity: Lawyers should always behave with integrity and respect. Their actions should enhance trust in the profession, not undermine it.
Righteousness: This means that lawyers are honest and trustworthy. They should always do the right thing, even when no one is looking.
Respectability: Lawyers should act carefully and wisely. This means they stay calm, think carefully before saying or doing anything, assess situations well and always show respect.

Professional secrecy: trust as a foundation

Professional secrecy is one of the most important duties of a lawyer. Everything you tell remains strictly confidential. Without this secret, trust between you and your lawyer would be impossible. Professional secrecy protects not only your rights, but also the foundations of a fair legal system.

Why are these principles important?

The justice system can only function properly if citizens trust lawyers to do their work in a fair and professional manner. Lawyers are not only the representatives of their clients but also guardians of the rule of law. By abiding by the rules of deontology, they contribute to maintaining a fair and reliable legal system.

A matter of trust

As a citizen, you should expect your lawyer to adhere to these principles. Lawyers are there to ensure justice and to assist you with knowledge, integrity and respect.

If in doubt about a lawyer's conduct, you can always contact Ligeca or the Bar Association. They are ready to answer your questions and intervene if necessary. The Bar Association has the task of monitoring the quality of the profession, and disciplinary proceedings can be initiated in cases of serious deficiencies, which is a necessary step to maintain confidence in the profession.

The honour of the lawyer is not an empty promise, but a fundamental value that you should always be able to count on.

What if you have problems with your lawyer?

How to file a complaint?

Practical

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is there to advise and assist you. Throughout the various stages of your life, you may come into contact with the law. A lawyer will then guide you through the legal maze. Even if you are an entrepreneur, the advice and assistance of a lawyer is no luxury.

What does a lawyer do?

Advise, mediate, negotiate and defend. A lawyer can help you in various ways. Both inside and outside a court.

Independence: the foundation of trust in lawyers

At the heart of the legal profession beats a powerful principle: independence. This fundamental value symbolises not only the integrity of the lawyer, but also the fairness and effectiveness of our legal system. But what exactly does it entail and why is it so crucial?

Lawyer's honour: what should you expect?