Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

Lawyers who are approved as members of AvMA's Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel share the values and principles of AvMA - a patient centred charity. As well as having demonstrated the experience and expertise necessary to represent clients in clinical negligence cases, every member of AvMA's panel has committed to this Code of Conduct.

To be sensitive and supportive of the needs of people affected by medical accidents or negligence; to recognise clients' wider needs in addition to, where appropriate, pursuing litigation or obtaining compensation.
To work with AvMA in seeking improvements to patient safety and access to justice for people affected by medical accidents; to share lessons learnt (whilst respecting confidentiality) from the cases they deal with.
To keep up-to-date with developments in clinical negligence and other relevant areas of law and policy; to attend AvMA events and, as far as practical, network and share knowledge and experience with other specialists.
To be open and honest with clients and potential clients from the start about chances of success in legal action; other alternatives; and to explain charging policies and means of funding legal work in a way clients can understand and is in their best interests.
To put the client or potential client's interests above any other interest, even if this means advising clients that another solicitor may be better equipped to meet their particular needs.
To comply with the Professional Code of Conduct of the Law Society, and to conduct legal work in a professional and timely manner on behalf of their client.
To maintain the high standards expected of AvMA panel solicitors and safeguard the reputation of the panel; to avoid advertising, marketing or other activity likely to bring the panel into disrepute.
To charge reasonable fees and obtain appropriate damages and recovery of costs from the other side for clients when appropriate.