How should a barrister maintain independence from instructing solicitors and clients?

• A. Follow solicitor's directions at all times
• B. Act solely in client's best interests, free from external control or pressure; maintain professional judgment and avoid improper influence.
• C. Prioritize external expectations
• D. Seek to align with client beliefs regardless of legality.

Answer: (B)

Independence means a barrister must advocate and advise for the client while maintaining autonomous professional judgment and resisting improper pressure from solicitors or clients. The best approach captures that balance: act solely in the client’s best interests, keep your professional judgment intact, and avoid any improper influence. This protects the integrity of the case and the justice system, ensuring arguments and strategies are guided by law and ethics rather than external pressure. If instructed to pursue a path that is unlawful or unethical, you should explain why and decline, offering lawful alternatives instead. Blind obedience to a solicitor, chasing external expectations, or aligning with client beliefs regardless of legality all undermine independence and the duty to the court.