The early years of the 21st century are a time of unprecedented change in the legal marketplace. Consumer expectations, business-driven standards and new ways of delivering legal services all require a modern, effective approach to the regulation of those services. The Solicitors' Code of Conduct marks a new era of professional regulation. It is issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as essential reading - not only for every solicitor, but for all who wish to know the standards of service and conduct expected of solicitors. These standards are set out in the form of 25 mandatory rules. Each rule is accompanied by guidance which explains the rule and aids compliance. The Code has been revised and simplified so that the mandatory rules and non-mandatory guidance are clearly differentiated. Readers familiar with successive editions of The Guide to the Professional Conduct of Solicitors will find a fresh approach here. It covers: the key principles which should inform every aspect of practice are set out in rule 1 as core duties; the core duties which set out solicitors' primary obligations such as integrity, independence and the best interests of clients and these pervade all of the other rules; and the remaining rules which address aspects of professional conduct from client relations to conflict of interests, management and supervision, equality and diversity, overseas practice and solicitors' relationship with the Solicitors Regulation Authority.