Law Society of Kenya Act, regulations and the advocates' code of conduct
Law Society of Kenya · sources read 4 Oct 2026
The Law Society of Kenya Act (Cap. 18) sets up LSK and its duties. Its General Regulations 2020 and the Code of Standards of Professional Practice and Ethical Conduct (2017) set the rules every member must follow.
- Where
- Download the Act, Regulations and Code free from the LSK website (lsk.or.ke, Downloads)
Steps
- Read the Act (Cap. 18) for what LSK does, such as advising government and courts, upholding the rule of law and setting standards for lawyers.
- Check the LSK (General) Regulations 2020 (Legal Notice 32 of 2020) for membership, subscriptions, branches and elections.
- Read the Code of Standards of Professional Practice and Ethical Conduct (Gazette Notice 5212 of 2017) for how advocates must behave.
- If an advocate breaks the Code, complain to the Advocates Complaints Commission or the Disciplinary Tribunal, which enforce it.
Watch out
- An advocate must honour a professional undertaking on time. Failing to do so is professional misconduct.
- Following the approved code of conduct is a member's legal duty under the 2020 Regulations, and breaking it can lead to discipline.
- Being on the Roll is not enough to practise: an advocate needs a practising certificate, which lapses at the end of each year.
Who this covers
- The rules bind LSK members: every advocate on the Roll of Advocates, plus special and honorary members.
Official sources (4)
- Law Society of Kenya Act, Cap. 18 (Revised Edition 2023) lsk.or.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- The Law Society of Kenya (General) Regulations, 2020 (L.N. 32 of 2020) lsk.or.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Code of Standards of Professional Practice and Ethical Conduct (Gazette Notice 5212, 26 May 2017) lsk.or.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Downloads lsk.or.ke · read 4 Oct 2026