Q. I am a solicitor starting up in practice. After reading the Law Society's Setting up in Practice information pack, I have a question concerning dress. I currently work in private practice where the standard of dress is a suit and tie. When I become my own boss can I pierce my lip, or is that going too far?

A. As you are employed, you have to take into account your employer's policies; this is governed by employment law. As a sole principal, you will be free from considering the requirements of an employer, but you still need to comply with the Guide to the Professional Conduct of Solicitors, 1999, eighth edition. Appearance before a court requires 'suitable clothing' (principle 21.17). A judge may take issue with your lip piercing and refuse to 'hear' you, and you may even be reported to the Law Society. You should consider whether, in this context, you are acting in the best interests of your client. It is unlikely the Society would object to your piercing in the context of your own office with your own clients.





Q. I understand that the government plans to introduce legislation outlawing age discrimination. Is this correct and should I be doing anything about it now?


A. Yes, it is correct. The intention is that from October 2006, discrimination on grounds of age will become unlawful. To comply with the requirements you should be taking steps now. The Law Society has produced a fact sheet entitled Equipped for Age, which contains an overview of the proposed legislation and outlines some of the steps that firms should be taking. This can be found on the Society's Web site at: www.lawsociety.org.uk.



Question of ethics is compiled by the Law Society's professional ethics guidance team. Send questions for publication to Austin O'Malley, the Law Society, Ipsley Court, Berrington Close, Redditch B98 0TD; DX 19114 Redditch