Professional Conduct Principles

Our Shared Commitments

• Put the client first. Treat every referral as you would your own client, providing fast, clear responses and communication and the highest standards of legal advice, client service and professionalism.

• Be responsive. Acknowledge communications promptly (ideally within 24 hours), keep referring firms informed of progress, and respond within reasonable timescales, even if only to confirm receipt or provide an update.

• Act fairly and transparently. Deal honestly and ethically with fellow members, their clients and all referral matters. As the referring member, be sure to highlight any any special circumstances relating to the client, particularly concerning any payment issues and communication expectations.

• Conflicts. Clear conflicts of interest at the outset.

• Communicate openly. Be clear about scope, timing, fees and any potential issues as early as possible. Good communication builds confidence and strengthens relationships.

• Respect fellow members. Treat colleagues throughout the network with courtesy, professionalism and respect, recognising that strong personal relationships underpin successful international collaboration.

• Cultural differences.  Remember to be mindful of cultural nuances in different jurisdictions when dealing with both other law firms and their clients.

• Protect client relationships. Respect the relationship between the referring firm and its client. Do not seek to bypass or undermine that relationship, and never solicit clients introduced through the network without the knowledge and agreement of the referring firm.

• Deliver value. Aim to provide practical, commercially minded advice that reflects positively on both your firm and Mackrell International.  Remember also that fee expectations and norms will differ between jurisdictions; be fair and open and clarify these early on and as matters progress.

• Collaborate generously. Share knowledge, introduce opportunities, contribute expertise and support fellow members whenever appropriate. The strength of the network depends upon mutual contribution.

• Maintain confidentiality. Safeguard all confidential information and comply with applicable professional, ethical and legal obligations in every jurisdiction.

• Referral recording.  Referrals should be identified and recorded as having been generated due to a MI relationship, and MI’s referral reporting spreadsheet should be updated.

• Concerns.  Any concerns or complaints should be brought to the attention of MI HQ and the Managing Director immediately, for follow up.

• Support the network. Participate positively in Mackrell International activities, contribute to referrals and knowledge-sharing where possible, and help strengthen the network for the benefit of all members.

A Shared Responsibility

No code can anticipate every situation and is subject to the code of professional ethics in your jurisdiction. These principles are therefore intended to encourage sound professional judgement, fairness, mutual respect and a spirit of cooperation.

By treating fellow members and their clients as we would wish our own firms and clients to be treated, we reinforce the values that set Mackrell International apart: trust, quality, responsiveness and long-enduring professional relationships.

Together, we protect and enhance the reputation of every member firm and of Mackrell International as a whole.

....................... 

_{DISCLAIMER: Mackrell International is an international group of independent law firms who are authorised to operate under the “Mackrell International” and “MI” brand names. All member firms act independently in their jurisdictions. Mackrell International does not itself provide any services and its member firms are not an international partnership. Each member firm is a separate entity and neither Mackrell International, nor any member firm accepts any responsibility whatsoever for the activities, work, opinions or services of any other member firm.}