Rule 47 Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners
Rule 47 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (RPC) 2023 is about Instigating controversy or litigation. It is under Part V (Improper Attraction of Business) of Chapter 1 (Conduct) of the Rules. It provides as follows:
(1) A lawyer shall not foment strife or instigate litigation and, except in the case of close relations or of trust, he shall not, without being consulted, proffer advice to bring a law suit.
(2) A lawyer shall not—
(a) search the land registry or other registries for defects with a view to employment or litigation ;
(b) seek out claimants in respect of personal injuries or any other cause of action with a view to being employed by the prospective client :
(c) engage, aid or encourage an agent or any other person to follow up on accidents with a view to employment as a lawyer in respect of any claims arising therefrom ; or
(d) offer or agree to offer rewards to any person who by reason of his own employment is likely to be able to influence legal work in favour of the lawyer.
