Conflict of Interest Policy
Introduction
I, Ryan Jarvis, trading as Ryan Jarvis Law®, am committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct. This Conflict of Interest Policy is designed to comply with the good practice guidance provided by CILEx Regulation and the Law Society. It outlines how I will identify, manage, and resolve conflicts of interest to ensure that I act in the best interests of my clients and uphold the integrity of the legal profession.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, consultants, and contractors of Ryan Jarvis Law®. It covers all aspects of our legal services and applies to all clients and third parties involved in our transactions.
Objectives
To identify potential conflicts of interest.
To manage and resolve conflicts of interest effectively.
To maintain the trust and confidence of our clients and the public.
To comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards.
Identifying Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest may arise in various situations, including but not limited to:
Acting for two or more clients whose interests are opposed.
Personal interests of the lawyer or staff member that conflict with the client's interests.
Relationships with third parties that affect the impartiality of legal services.
To identify potential conflicts of interest, we will:
Conduct a thorough conflict check before accepting new clients or matters.
Regularly review ongoing matters for any changes that may create a conflict.
Ensure all staff are vigilant and report any potential conflicts.
Managing and Resolving Conflicts of Interest
Initial Assessment
When a potential conflict of interest is identified, I will:
Assess the nature and extent of the conflict.
Determine whether the conflict can be managed or if it requires withdrawal from the matter.
Informed Consent
If a conflict can be managed, I will:
Obtain informed consent from all affected clients, clearly explaining the nature of the conflict and how it will be managed.
Ensure that clients understand their right to seek independent legal advice.
Document the consent and retain it in the client file.
Implementing Safeguards
To manage conflicts of interest, I may implement safeguards such as:
Establishing information barriers (Chinese walls) to prevent the exchange of confidential information.
Assigning separate teams to handle the conflicted matters.
Regularly monitoring the effectiveness of these safeguards.
Withdrawing from the Matter
If a conflict cannot be managed effectively, I will:
Withdraw from representing one or more clients involved in the conflict.
Provide assistance in finding alternative legal representation, if necessary.
Ensure that the withdrawal is conducted in a manner that minimises any potential harm to the client.
Record Keeping
We will maintain records of:
Conflict checks conducted.
Potential conflicts identified and the assessments made.
Informed consents obtained.
Safeguards implemented.
Actions taken to resolve conflicts, including withdrawals from matters.
These records will be kept for at least six years after the conclusion of the matter.
Training
All staff will receive regular training on identifying, managing, and resolving conflicts of interest, including:
The importance of maintaining independence and impartiality.
Procedures for conducting conflict checks.
How to implement and monitor safeguards.
Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually or when there are significant changes in relevant legislation or guidance. Updates will be communicated to all staff, and additional training will be provided if necessary.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this Conflict of Interest Policy, please contact:
Ryan Jarvis
Ryan Jarvis Law®
Postal Point 428
Manchester
M8 2FS
Email: ryan.jarvis@ryanjarvis.law
Phone: 0161 528 9071
This Conflict of Interest Policy was last updated on 01 May 2024.