By Michael G. Karnavas
Lawyer’s Ethics by Michael G. Karnavas is a concise yet insightful work that examines the core ethical duties of lawyers across different legal systems. Designed as a companion to an ethics e-course, the book goes beyond basic rules to offer context, comparison, and practical clarity.
In an era where legal practice increasingly crosses borders, this book serves as a timely guide to professional responsibility in a globalised legal order.
Ethics as the Backbone of the Legal Profession
Karnavas begins with a fundamental principle:
???? The legal profession is an independent public service, and ethical conduct is essential to the rule of law.
Rather than limiting his discussion to a single jurisdiction, the author adopts a comparative approach, examining:
- Civil law systems
- Common law systems
- International legal standards
He emphasises that legal ethics is not just about rules, but about balancing duties to:
- Clients
- Courts
- The legal profession
- Society
Comparative Perspective: Civil Law vs Common Law
One of the book’s key strengths is its comparative analysis.
Karnavas explains how core ethical principles—such as:
- Independence
- Confidentiality
- Loyalty
- Candour
—are interpreted differently across legal systems.
This section is especially valuable for:
- Cross-border practitioners
- Arbitration lawyers
- International litigation professionals
Core Ethical Principles Explained
The book is structured around essential ethical duties, including:
- Independence of lawyers
- Honesty, integrity, and fairness
- Client loyalty
- Confidentiality
- Conflict of interest
- Diligence and competence
- Fees and advertising
- Professional discipline
Each principle is explained with practical examples, showing how ethical dilemmas arise in real-world practice.
Practical Value for Lawyers and Students
Unlike purely academic texts, this book is written in clear and accessible language, making it useful for:
- Practicing advocates
- Law students
- Legal trainees
Karnavas also references international frameworks such as:
- Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe Charter
- International Bar Association Principles
This reinforces the idea that ethical lawyering is both local and global.
Conclusion
Lawyer’s Ethics is not merely a rulebook—it is a guide to ethical judgment.
It reminds legal professionals that:
- Integrity cannot rely only on written codes
- Ethical responsibility requires reflection and understanding
For anyone committed to maintaining credibility and public trust in the legal system, this book is highly recommended.
