Effective Date: 15 June 2025

 

I. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

  This Ethics Policy Manual outlines the professional standards and obligations for all Birch Hill Chambers ("BHC") representatives. It applies to employees, contractors, consultants, agents, and all individuals operating under the BHC name in the United States or internationally. The purpose of this policy is to ensure integrity, legal compliance, and adherence to universal human rights principles.

 

II. CORE VALUES

• Integrity: Honest, transparent, and accountable conduct.

• Justice: Promotion of Rule of Law and Due Process.

• Accountability: Responsibility for actions and decisions.

• Human Dignity: Respect for all individuals.

• Independence: Freedom from undue influence.

• Professionalism: Competence, courtesy, and ethical behavior.

 

III. COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. LAW

  BHC adheres strictly to U.S. laws, including:

• Federal and state laws governing non-attorney representation.

• Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

• Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA).

• Federal Rules of Civil/Criminal Procedure.

• Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) provisions.

• HIPAA, FERPA, and data privacy laws.

 

IV. INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS & UNITED NATIONS COMPLIANCE

  BHC is committed to compliance with:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

• ILO Core Conventions

• UN Convention Against Corruption

  We actively avoid complicity in any human rights abuses or violations.

 

V. ANTI-CORRUPTION & BRIBERY

• Zero-tolerance policy for bribery or influence-peddling.

• No offering or accepting of gifts or favors for preferential treatment.

• Mandatory reporting of suspicious conduct.

 

VI. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

• Mandatory disclosure of any potential conflict.

• Abstention from any decision-making involving personal gain.

• Prohibition on dual compensation without written informed consent.

 

VII. CONFIDENTIALITY & DATA PROTECTION

• Protection of client and partner information.

• Secure handling of records and communications.

• Compliance with applicable data protection laws including GDPR where relevant.

 

VIII. NON-DISCRIMINATION & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

• Equal treatment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, or other protected status.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 

IX. PRO BONO & ACCESS TO JUSTICE

• Encouragement of pro bono representation.

• Services available without discrimination based on financial status, within capacity constraints.

 

X. REPORTING & WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS

• Confidential avenues for reporting misconduct.

• Strict protection against retaliation.

• Prompt and impartial investigations.

 

XI. TRAINING & CONTINUING EDUCATION

• Annual mandatory ethics and compliance training.

• Additional training on emerging international standards.

 

XII. ENFORCEMENT

• Violations may lead to termination, legal referral, or professional sanctions.

• Records of violations maintained for internal review.

 

XIII. POLICY REVISIONS

• Reviewed annually and updated as needed.

• Publicly posted on website.

• Notice provided to all stakeholders upon amendment.

 

ADOPTED BY:

 

Principal Representative, Birch Hill Chambers

C, James Robert von Scholz SC, Head of Chambers

15 June 2025

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s/c. james robert von scholz/