How should a barrister handle communications with a represented party about settlement offers?

• A. Directly approach the represented party to expedite settlement.
• B. Communicate through the represented party’s counsel, ensuring fairness and avoiding improper influence.
• C. Discuss settlement offers with any member of the represented party's family.
• D. Ignore the represented status and proceed with offers.

Answer: (B)

When a party is represented, communications about settlement should go through that party’s counsel. This rule protects the integrity of negotiations and helps ensure fairness, by making sure the represented party has proper advice and that the other side cannot be pressured or improperly influenced. Direct contact with the represented party could bypass the legal advice they are entitled to and risk breaching professional conduct, confidentiality, or privilege. By channeling all settlement communications through the represented party’s counsel, the process remains transparent, balanced, and compliant with ethical standards.