The framework is intended to complement the Solicitors Regulation Authority's guidance aimed at in-house solicitors. The first iteration was published on 14 May 2025 and is currently out for consultation, inviting feedback from the in-house legal community until 31 August 2025. The consultation phase is critical for developing the framework based on real-world insights and ensuring it meets the evolving needs of in-house legal professionals across sectors. Once the consultation is closed, the Law Society will review and further develop the framework based on the experience of in-house legal teams putting it into practice. A target date of Autumn 2025 has been set for next steps to be announced and a revised version published.
At the heart of the Ethical Practice Framework is a commitment to helping in-house lawyers balance their dual roles as legal advisors and strategic business partners. The framework addresses the ethical tensions that can arise when legal obligations intersect with commercial pressures, reputational risks, and organisational dynamics. It provides practical guidance on stakeholder mapping, ethical risk assessment, and decision-making under pressure.
Dr Jim Baxter, Professional Ethics Consultancy Team Leader at IDEA, University of Leeds, explained, “In-house solicitors play a vital role in enabling organisations to achieve their goals within legal and ethical parameters. It's a role with significant challenges, however. Our research revealed the pressures in-house solicitors are under, often asked to cut corners in the name of short-term business value, but also held to account when things go wrong. The Ethical Practice Framework offers practical tools and techniques which, if properly embedded in organisations, can put solicitors in a stronger position to navigate these pressures and meet their ethical challenges."
DWF’s role in shaping the framework
DWF has played a pivotal role in the governance and development of the Ethical Practice Framework. Through its collaboration with IDEA and the Law Society, DWF contributed strategic oversight, practical insights, and thought leadership to ensure the framework is both rigorous and applicable to real-world challenges. Tracey Groves, Head of Sustainable Business & ESG Advisory, and Kirsty Rogers, Chief Sustainability Officer, have been instrumental in steering the project as members of the governance committee.
“Our involvement in shaping the framework has enabled us to help develop practical tools that enhance in-house legal professionals’ ability to make sound ethical judgments based on our deep practical experience working closely with in-house teams,” said Tracey Groves. “We’re proud to support a resource that empowers legal teams to lead with integrity and confidence.”
Engagement and next steps
DWF is actively supporting the rollout of the Ethical Practice Framework through a series of initiatives, including:
- the design and delivery of experiential and practical training modules;
- expert design and facilitation of client engagement sessions to inspire and educate in-house teams and wider business stakeholders on the power and potential impact of the framework, and;
- a planned video Q&A with Dr Jim Baxter who led the research and detailed development of the framework.
We will be closely monitoring and commenting on the outputs arising from the consultation and the release of revised framework later this year, including any additional materials.
For further information on the Law Society’s Ethical Practice Framework and how DWF and IDEA can help you and your in-house legal team to effectively adopt and implement the good practice tools and techniques, please contact Tracey Groves.
