Why Ethix?
Their #1 Duty Is to the Court and Justice
Lawyers in South Australia must follow the Legal Practitioners Conduct Rules. Rule 3.1 says: …“A legal practitioner’s duty to the court and the administration of justice is paramount and prevails to the extent of inconsistency with any other duty.” — South Australian Legal Practitioners Conduct Rules (2022) South Australian Legal …
In other words, a lawyer must do the right thing by the court — even if that means going against what the client wants
Examples: When Lawyers Can’t Just “Do What the Client Says”
Here are some real-life examples where a lawyer’s duty to the court overrides their client’s instructions:- Honesty to the Court: They can’t lie or let the court be misled — even if you tell them to.
- Revealing Key Documents: They must hand over documents, even if that means you could lose the case.
- Refusing to Call Dodgy Witnesses: They don’t have to call a witness just because you want them to — only if that witness is helpful and truthful.
- Not Making False Accusations: They can’t accuse someone of fraud or a crime unless there’s solid evidence.
- Can’t Use Court Process to Pressure People: They’re not allowed to issue court action just to scare or blackmail someone.
Why this is a good thing?
It might feel frustrating if your lawyer doesn’t “go all out” the way you expected. But this system protects everyone by:- Keeping the justice system fair
- Making sure cases are based on truth, not tricks
- Preventing costly, drawn-out legal battles full of lies and spin
Need Help?
If you feel your lawyer hasn’t been upfront with you — or if they’ve crossed the line by putting your case at risk — we can help you understand your rights. You may have grounds to dispute the bill or lodge a complaint.
Take Your Action Today
Upload your bill or experience to our secure form. We’ll review it for free, and if there’s a breach, we’ll help you challenge it — professionally and powerfully.