Lawyer Code of Conduct

1. Professional Integrity

• Maintain honesty and transparency in all communications with Users.
• Never misrepresent your qualifications, experience, or practice areas.
• Disclose any conflict of interest before accepting a case.
• Never guarantee a specific legal outcome or create unrealistic expectations.
• Maintain client confidentiality in strict accordance with the Advocates Act.

2. Timely Responsiveness

• Respond to all contact requests within 24 hours of receipt.
• Communicate clearly whether you are accepting, declining, or need more time.
• Inform clients promptly of any delays, adjournments, or material developments.
• Be available for scheduled consultations. Reschedule with minimum 12 hours notice.
• Maintain a response rate above 70% to remain in good standing.

3. Fee Transparency

• Display accurate consultation fees and case fee ranges on your profile.
• Provide a clear written engagement letter before accepting case fees.
• Not charge fees beyond what is specified on your profile without prior consent.
• Issue receipts for all payments received from clients.
• Not demand payment in cash without issuing an official receipt.

4. Platform Conduct

• Not solicit Platform Users for business outside the NyayVichar Platform.
• Not offer or accept inducements to manipulate ratings or reviews.
• Not create fake profiles or use another lawyer's identity.
• Treat all Users with respect regardless of their case type, religion, gender, or background.
• Not discriminate in accepting cases on any protected ground.

5. Document & Information Handling

• Handle all case documents and personal information shared by Users with strict confidentiality.
• Not share, disclose, or use User documents for any purpose other than the specific case.
• Securely destroy any User documents after the case is concluded or at the User's request.
• Report any data breach or unauthorised access to support@nyayvichar.in immediately.

6. Advertising & Representations

• Not make false or misleading claims about your win record or past cases.
• Not use testimonials that are fake, exaggerated, or not from actual clients.
• Profile descriptions must accurately reflect your current practice areas.
• Not claim specialisations or certifications you do not hold.

7. Compliance with Bar Council Rules

• Maintain valid Bar Council registration and comply with all applicable state bar council rules.
• Update your profile immediately upon any change in registration status.
• Not continue practising on the Platform during any period of suspension by the Bar Council.
• Comply with the Model Code of Professional Ethics for Advocates.

Enforcement

Violations of this Code are investigated by NyayVichar's Trust & Safety team. Depending on severity:

Reporting a Violation

Users can report Lawyer conduct violations via the Report a Lawyer page. All reports are treated confidentially.