The UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a stern warning to professionals in the legal industry that they must keep digital communication – such as on social media or through emails – professional, lawful, and inoffensive.
The SRA said that
new profession-wide notice comes after a significant increase in the number of complaints concerning inappropriate communications, especially via emails and social media, both inside and outside of practice.
The notice is relevant to registered European lawyers and registered foreign lawyers, it said. It also concerns anyone working in an SRA-regulated practice – whether they are managers, consultants, employees, or trainees – regardless of whether they are acting as lawyers or as unqualified persons.
Recently, the regulator said it has dealt with complaints over comments on race, sexual orientation, and religion. It has also investigated sexually explicit comments and the use of derogatory language against women. Some complaints were over comments intended to harass or victimise, or shock or threaten, people. The regulator also investigated offensive or abusive comments to another firm about that firm or its clients, or individuals who are unrepresented.
The SRA warned lawyers and other legal industry professionals that they must uphold the rule of law and the proper administration of justice, act with integrity, maintain the trust of the public, and run businesses or carry out roles in a way that encourages equality of opportunity and respect for diversity.
Not only could lawyers and other professionals in the legal industry face disciplinary action, they may also face criminal charges, the SRA said.
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