Rule 28 Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners
Rule 28 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (RPC) 2023 is about Associating in matter. It is under Part III (Relation with other Lawyers) of Chapter 1 (Conduct) of the Rules. It provides as follows:
(1) A client has the right to procure, either on his own, or on the advice of his lawyer, the services of an additional lawyer in a matter.
(2) Where a lawyer is employed by a client to join the original lawyer, the latter lawyer shall decline if it is objectionable to the original lawyer, but if the original lawyer is relieved of his retainer by the client or he withdraws, the later lawyer may come into the matter, provided that he shall use his best endeavour to ensure that all the fees due to the other lawyer in the matter are paid.
(3) Where lawyers jointly associated in a course cannot agree as to any matter vital to the interest of the client, the conflict of opinion shall be frankly stated to the client for his determination, and his decision shall be final provided that where the nature of the differences makes it impracticable for the lawyer whose judgment has been overruled to cooperate effectively, he shall withdraw from the employment.
