The daily commute is often an opportune time to do some work. However, heading home last week Obiter was distracted by a lawyer sitting in front replying to an email with the words ‘privileged and confidential’ in the subject header. Obiter is a stickler for privacy but we struggled to avert our gaze given the lawyer’s phone was in our direct line of sight during this brief encounter. 

Is it OK to look at confidential documents in a public space?

That’s not our only question of ethics this month. An avid fan of long-running soap Coronation Street, Obiter was delighted to see another solicitor-addition to the cobbles in the form of Paula Cunliffe, who is representing ex-Weatherfield mayor Sally Metcalfe against charges of alleged fraud, bribery and money laundering. Paula’s taken a shine to Sally’s daughter, Sophie, and they’ve already shared a kiss.

What would the Solicitors Regulation Authority have to say about this burgeoning relationship? According to spoilers posted before the Gazette went to press, Sally will end up representing herself at her pre-trial hearing this week…

Meanwhile down under, in Neighbours, Ramsay Street’s resident lawyer Jarrod ‘Toadie’ Rebecchi has issued a formal warning to assistant Piper after her boyfriend, left alone in the office, stole a client file.

Perhaps now is a good time for the SRA to refresh its ‘Question of ethics’ section.

 

 

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