Question of ethicsQ I have attended a client who is being held in a police cell, having been charged with serious offences.

The client informs me that he is very depressed and is considering suicide.

He does not want me to tell anyone.

Should I tell the police?A You do not have a duty to tell the police.

You owe a duty of confidentiality towards your client, which can only be overridden in certain exceptional circumstances.

Note 3 to principle 16.02 provides that you may reveal confidential information to the extent that you believe necessary to prevent your client committing a criminal act that you believe is likely to result in serious bodily harm.

Whilst suicide is not a criminal act, it is our opinion that if, having considered all the circumstances, you decide to tell the police it is unlikely that you would be criticised in conduct.

This type of enquiry is received from solicitors acting for both criminal and civil clients.

A factor for some solicitors is weighing up why the client has told them this information.

Is it perhaps a plea for help? Aide MemoireX The new Indemnity Insurance Rules will be effective from1 September 2000.

Solicitors must have their new indemnity insurance in place by that date.

X The Establishment of Lawyers Directive 98/5/EC was implemented in England and Wales on 22 May 2000.

Lawyers from other EU states who are EU nationals and established in the UK have to register with one of the UK Law Societies or Bars.

Lawyers already practising in the UK have until 21 November 2000 to make their applications, unless they wish to take advantage of their new rights under the Directive at an earlier date.

X Question of ethics is compiled by the Law Society's professional ethics guidance team.

Send your questions for publication to Austin O'Malley, the Law Society, Ipsley Court, Berrington Close, Redditch B98 0TD; DX 19114 Redditch; tel: 020 7242 1222.