C&I group to guide in-house lawyers on post-Enron role

In-house solicitors are to receive best practice guidance on their role within companies in the wake of the Enron and other corporate scandals after the Law Society's Commerce & Industry group launched a nationwide series of consultations.

These aim to update members on governance matters and glean opinion on post-Enron issues.

A paper - distributed by post and on-line - forms the basis of the consultation, with sections on the reporting line for in-house counsel, oversight roles, professional conduct and whistleblowing, communications and privilege and the global implications of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Two meetings have already taken place in the south-west and Tyne Tees regions, while in-house lawyers in the midlands, north-east and north-west will meet shortly.

Ann Page, chairwoman of the group, said: 'We want to take soundings from as many of our members as possible before producing a form of best-practice booklet - towards the end of the year - that will help in-house lawyers to present a clear line from the group to their respective companies.'

LINKS: www.cigroup.org.uk

See Chief executive column, p20 (see [2003] Gazette, 20 January)

Jeremy Fleming