Code of Conduct & Internal Regulations
Naffa Law Firm (NLF)

Preamble

This Code of Ethics (hereinafter called: the Code) establishes the principles and rules of conduct that attorneys and legal consultants at Naffa Law Firm (NLF) (‘Attorneys’) shall at all times follow in fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

  • This Code applies to any Attorney of Jordan jurisdiction and to his/her professional activities in any other jurisdiction.
  • Compliance with this Code of Regulation and Conduct are terms and conditions of employment.
  • Nothing in this Code shall absolve Attorneys from the obligation to comply with the law or rules of professional conduct to which they may be subject in any relevant jurisdiction.

General Principles

In accordance with the convictions, principles and values of NLF as a firm an Attorney shall:

  1. Conscientiously fulfil all duties arising from his position as an Attorney and seek to maintain the reputation and dignity of the legal profession by his conduct in both his professional and private life;
  2. Not misrepresent the nature or extent of his qualification or position;
  3. Have due respect for the law and shall pay his taxes in full and on time;
  4. Behave in such a way as to gain and maintain the trust of the client as well as of any judicial, professional or other body before whom he may appear;
  5. Demonstrate respect for human rights and freedoms, rules and concepts, and shall not at any time discriminate on the basis of sex, skin color, ethnicity, citizenship, or any religious or political views;
  6. Maintain due respect towards the Court, the judiciary, the clerks of court and opponent lawyers at all times;
  7. Never purposefully mislead the Court or knowingly give advice which is contrary to the provisions of the law;
  8. At all times seek to protect the interests of his clients by means available in accordance with the law and the dignity of the legal profession;
  9. At all times give clients candid and honest opinions on any case;
  10. Avoid unnecessary expenses while working for any client;
  11. In representing a client, preserve his independence and integrity;
  12. Not accept any job incompatible with the responsibilities of the legal profession or that could compromise the Attorney’s independence or reputation, or the integrity of the legal profession;
  13. Not attract clients by means of offers, intermediaries and advertisements;
  14. Not give blank letters-of-attorney or promotional material to third parties;
  15. Not collaborate with unlicensed attorneys and persons suspected of being illegal practitioners of law;
  16. Not belittle other attorneys, employees or other persons;
  17. Not acquire, without the approval and knowledge of NLF Management, a financial interest in the subject matter of any case which they are conducting;
  18. Not acquire property, either directly or indirectly, involved in a pending litigation where NLF represents one of the parties;
  19. Not represent conflicting interests in litigation;
  20. Treat professional colleagues with the utmost courtesy and fairness;
  21. Always put the interests of clients and the exigencies of the administration of justice first;
  22. Not permit his professional services or his name to be used in any way which would enable persons to practice law who are not legally authorised to do so;
  23. Maintain respect for the environment by avoiding waste and unnecessary printing and by implementing recycling programs.

Confidentiality

In order to maintain the trust and confidence of clients in relation to their affairs an Attorney shall:

  1. Preserve the confidentiality of any information acquired from a client or otherwise in the course of rendering legal assistance, including but not limited to all documents, recordings, computer data, pictures and similar materials and deposits (‘Confidential Information’);
  2. Exercise the utmost care to ensure the confidentiality of such Confidential Information is preserved by other persons working in his office;
  3. Not disclose any Confidential Information, even upon the termination of a case, unless ordered to do so by a court or due to litigation between the client and his attorney;
  4. Only disclose Confidential Information with the written consent of the client, where necessary for the defense of the Attorney holding such information, or to justify the Attorney’s decision to withdraw from defending the client.

Client Relations

In the course of conduct toward and in relation to a client of NLF an Attorney shall:

  1. Exercise all professional skills and discretion to represent a client conscientiously and render legal assistance without delay or hesitation;
  2. Be responsible for managing workload in the clients’ best interests and ensure quality, timeliness and thoroughness are not jeopardized by excessive workload or any other reason;
  3. Not refuse a client’s request for legal assistance except in exceptional circumstances (e.g., insufficient capacity or expertise, frivolous/vexatious litigation, immoral purpose, or inability to pay where the work is not pro bono);
  4. Be entitled to refuse to represent a client against a friend, relative or former employee of the adverse party; where he proceeds, he shall inform the client in writing of the relationship and obtain prior written approval;
  5. Cease to act for either or both of two or more clients where a dispute arises amongst them in connection with the matter on which they are being advised and which cannot be resolved amicably;
  6. Where in the client’s best interests, use every effort to help parties settle without initiating proceedings; where proceedings are initiated, encourage settlement where appropriate;
  7. Represent and defend the client conscientiously, using all necessary legal means;
  8. Not make contact with the adverse party in the course of representation in the absence of the client or without the client’s prior written approval;
  9. Protect the interests of all parties where representing more than one party, regardless of who first sought assistance or who pays the fees;
  10. Not, while representing a client, accept an invitation by the adverse party to represent him, whether in the same case or another.

Representation of Clients in Court

  1. Undertake the defense of any defendant in a case, regardless of identity or nature of the proceedings;
  2. Not refuse legal assistance because a case is difficult, because evidence appears irrefutable, because of admissions, severity, public opinion, or similar reasons;
  3. Avoid giving prominence to his name in connection with any case for the purpose of advertising, particularly via mass media;
  4. Not make public statements during proceedings that may impact the progress or outcome of the case.

Relationship to the Adverse Party

  1. Treat the adverse party considerately and objectively, while working to resolve the dispute as soon as possible and in the mutual interests of the parties;
  2. Not exploit ignorance or error by the adverse party nor seek to intimidate that party, particularly if unrepresented;
  3. Not contact the adverse party without the knowledge of that party’s counsel and without the knowledge of his own client.

Relationship among Attorneys

  1. Maintain due respect for the legal profession, have correct and loyal relationships with other attorneys, and show professional solidarity;
  2. Not represent a client already represented by another attorney in a matter without first obtaining a release/approval in writing from such attorney (this does not preclude giving a second opinion);
  3. Not undertake representation of a client already represented by another attorney until the prior power of attorney has been cancelled;
  4. Treat opposing attorneys with due respect and not belittle or slight them in any way, personal or professional;
  5. Respect opposing attorneys as colleagues and avoid unnecessary confrontation;
  6. Seek to settle any disagreement with another attorney or legal consultant or trainee immediately, or through mediation by a professional committee.

Relationship towards Law Trainees of the Firm

  1. Seek to accept for training young, capable and diligent trainees (‘Trainees’);
  2. Offer Trainees opportunities to acquire experience and knowledge and provide adequate training programs;
  3. Conscientiously supervise the work and progress of Trainees;
  4. Familiarize Trainees with applicable regulatory codes of ethics and this Code;
  5. Procure that all Trainees keep the confidences and secrets of the law office.

Conduct in the Office

  1. Maintain the standard of personal and office work consistent with the reputation of the legal profession as an autonomous and independent service;
  2. Strive to undertake regular pro bono work where possible;
  3. Be able to provide any relevant legal professional bodies with requested information relating to work;
  4. Be conscientious and punctual in financial operations conducted on behalf of clients;
  5. Never mix a client’s money with personal or office funds and always be in a position to pay out such money on demand;
  6. Never keep money received on behalf of a client longer than necessary;
  7. Be prohibited from using or keeping money given for a specific purpose except for that purpose;
  8. Not extend the right of retention for outstanding claims for services yet to be rendered;
  9. Not receive or accept money from unclear sources, or where there is suspicion of money laundering, proceeds of crime, or other suspicious activity.