The Ethical Practice Framework is designed to help in-house lawyers balance their roles as both legal and business advisors. In-house lawyers often face competing pressures and ethical dilemmas, as they must consider commercial, reputational, and ethical factors alongside legal ones. This framework provides a structured approach to understanding and addressing these challenges, ensuring that in-house legal teams can make informed and ethical decisions.
Shaping the framework
DWF played a significant role in the governance of the design and development of this framework, collaborating closely with IDEA, The Ethics Centre, to ensure that the framework is practical and relevant to the needs of in-house legal teams. Tracey Groves, Head of Sustainable Business & ESG Advisory and Kirsty Rogers, Chief Sustainability Officer at DWF, have been actively involved in the project's governance committee, providing insights and guidance on the framework's development.
“Through our involvement in shaping the framework, we have been able to help in the development of practical tools that will enhance in-house legal professionals’ ability to make sound ethical judgments and decisions. Our unique insights means that we are perfectly placed to help in-house lawyers – and their wider senior leadership team – to develop a deeper understanding of the ethical principles of their roles, the challenges they can face, and how to apply them in their day-to-day value-adding activities for the whole business” said Tracey Groves.
Benefits for in-house legal teams
The Ethical Practice Framework offers several key benefits for in-house legal teams:
- Enhanced Ethical Judgment: The framework enables in-house lawyers to gain a more profound comprehension of ethical principles and their practical application in everyday tasks, improving their capacity to make well-informed and ethical decisions
- Improved Collaboration: By providing tools for stakeholder mapping and understanding organisational dynamics, the framework fosters better collaboration between in-house legal teams and other departments within the organisation.
- Increased Confidence: The training and resources offered by DWF empower in-house lawyers to navigate complex ethical dilemmas with confidence, ensuring that they can fulfil their roles effectively and ethically.
For more information on the Ethical Practice Framework and how DWF can support your in-house legal team, please contact Tracey.Groves@dwf.law .
