The DIFC Courts welcome views and comments on the attached draft code of professional conduct (the ‘Code’). Following adoption of the Code, the right to practice in the DIFC Courts will become conditional upon observance of the Code and acceptance of the Courts’ power to impose the sanctions provided by the Code. The DIFC Courts invite interested persons to make representations with respect to the Code by 4pm in Dubai on 30 June 2009.
The Code was developed following a review of the codes of conduct and professional ethics of various jurisdictions. It sets out the standards of professional conduct required by the DIFC Courts , which were established to uphold the laws of the DIFC and to advance the rule of law by ensuring the just and effective resolution of disputes within its jurisdiction. By registering to practice in the DIFC Courts, each individual legal practitioner and firm undertakes to act with integrity and independence in support of the Courts and the wider community that they serve, and the Code sets out details of the standards required.
The DIFC Courts value all comments received on the draft Code and will endeavour to take into account all comments received when issuing the Code. The DIFC Courts would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Courts’ Users’ Sub-Committee which has worked on the development of the Code and which comprised Philip Punwar, Al Tamimi & Co.; Graham Lovett, Clifford Chance; Richard Briggs, Hadef & Partners; and Alec Emmerson, Clyde & Co.
Comments are to be sent to the DIFC Courts Consultation email: Consultation@difccourts.ae
Click the link below to view the proposed Code.