The Code of Conduct

This is the 8th Edition of the Code of Conduct of the Bar of England & Wales.

A hard copy of the Code is available and can be purchased for £25 by contacting Des Aherne on 0207 242 0082 or by email

Hard copies of amendments to the Code are published periodically throughout the year. They will be sent to you automatically if you have purchased a copy of the Code. The online version of the Code is updated immediately when an amendment comes into effect.

The Code of Conduct

View all of Section 1

The Code of Conduct provides the requirements for practice as a barrister and the rules and standards of conduct applicable to barristers. You will find guidance to the Code in the relevant section.

Part I - Preliminary

Part II - Practising requirements

Part III - Fundamental principles

Part IV - Self-employed barristers

Part V - Employed barristers

Part VI - Acceptance and return of instructions

Part VII - Conduct of work by practising barristers

Part VIII - Miscellaneous

Part IX - Compliance

Part X - Definitions

Part XI - Transitional provisions

Annexes to the Code

The Code of Conduct contains 21 Annexes. These are accessible from the drop-down below. The Annexes provide detailed information to specific parts of the Code.