Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008

A lawyer must not act in a proceeding if the lawyer may be required to give evidence of a contentious nature (whether in person or by affidavit) in the matter.

If, after a lawyer has commenced acting in a proceeding, it becomes apparent that the lawyer or a member of the lawyer’s practice is to give evidence of a contentious nature, the lawyer must immediately inform the court and, unless the court directs otherwise, cease acting.

A lawyer must not act in a proceeding if the conduct or advice of the lawyer or of another member of the lawyer’s practice is in issue in the matter before the court. This rule does not apply where the lawyer is acting for himself or herself, or for the member of the practice whose actions are in issue.

A lawyer must not make submissions or express views to a court on any material evidence or material issue in a case in terms that convey or appear to convey the lawyer’s personal opinion on the merits of that evidence or issue.

If, having commenced to act for more than 1 party to a dispute, it becomes apparent that the lawyer or lawyers who are members of the same practice will not be able to ensure the discharge of all duties owed to the respective parties, the lawyer or practice must cease acting for all parties immediately.¹⁹

A lawyer or lawyers who are members of the same practice may, however, continue to act for 1 client provided that the other party, after receiving independent advice, gives informed consent at the time the dispute arises to the lawyer or practice continuing to act for the other party and no duties to the consenting party have been or will be breached.