National

Preamble
Association of Democratic Lawyers
Commerce House fazoe@nadel.co.za
55 Shortmarket Street Mobile: 078 514 3706
Cape Town Fax: 086 602 6167
8001
South Africa

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS OF NADEL

WHEREAS the preamble to the constitution of NADEL commits its membership to certain
values and conduct; and

WHEREAS the membership of NADEL wish to promote the highest standards of ethical and
professional conduct;

Now therefore we the membership of Nadel hereby subscribe to the following Code of
Conduct:

Principles:

1. Honesty and Integrity

Members shall act with honesty and uphold the highest ethical standards in line with the
values, aims and objects expressed in NADELs Constitution. Members should not place
themselves in situations where their honesty and integrity may be questioned, should not
behave improperly and should on all occasions avoid the appearance of such behaviour.

2. Selflessness

1
A member must not use his position as a member improperly to confer on or secure for
himself or any other person, an advantage or disadvantage. Members should in their official
capacities serve only Nadels and the public interest. Nadel members shall arrange their
private affairs in a manner that will prevent real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest
from arising but if such a conflict does arise between the private interests of a member and
the official duties and responsibilities of that member, the conflict shall be resolved in favour
of Nadels and the public interest. Members shall ensure that all efforts are made to
promote transformation of the legal system and the profession and in particular, the
equitable application of empowerment opportunities for Nadels membership.

3. Insider Information

Members acting in any official capacity shall not knowingly take advantage of, or benefit
from, information obtained in the course of their official duties and responsibilities, and that
is not generally available to the other Nadel members or the public.

4. Accountability

Members should be accountable to Nadel for their actions and the manner in which they
carry out their responsibilities, and should co-operate fully and honestly with any scrutiny
appropriate to their particular level or office.

5. Openness

Members should be as open as possible about their actions and those of Nadel, and should
be prepared to give reasons for those actions where appropriate.

6. Respect for Others

Members should promote equality by not discriminating unlawfully or in any other manner
against any person, and by treating people with respect, regardless of their race, age,
religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

7. Duty to Uphold the Law

2
Members should uphold the law and, on all occasions, act in accordance with the Nadel
Constitution.

8. Leadership

Members should promote and support this Code of Conduct by Leadership, and by example,
and should act in a way that secures or preserves public confidence in NADEL.

9. Avoid Breach

Members shall not do anything which compromises or which is likely to compromise the
values enshrined in NADELs Constitution or this Code of Conduct.

10. Duty to Report Misconduct

A member must, if s/he becomes aware of any conduct by another member which s/he
reasonably believes involves a failure to comply with Nadels code of conduct, make a
written allegation to that effect to the appropriate level of Nadel.