Professional legal ethics consist of several ordinances, specific combinations of instructions and legal practice. Disciplinary proceedings relating to the professional supervision of advocates are of importance in this respect also. The basic requirements established for an advocate by the rules of professional ethics are honesty, professional secrecy regarding confidential information of the client, and the preservation of his confidence more generally. An advocate must try to achieve a solution which is most favourable for his client. Regarding these requirements, such a solution is often a reconciliation. The rules governing good professional conduct support efforts to achieve an amicable settlement in various ways.

Grounds for fees

An advocate's fee for each mandate is determined by the amount and quality of the work required. The degree of difficulty of the mandate and the interest involved are also relevant. Disadvantaged citizens may be granted legal aid, whereby the expenses are covered from public funds. Several insurances include a legal expenses insurance, which may cover the expenses of a legal dispute exceeding the excess of the insured.

Disputes concerning fees

A binding decision in a dispute regarding an advocate's fee can only be issued by a court of law. The client may ask the Disciplinary Board of the Finnish Bar Association for a recommendation regarding the fee. Disputes can also be taken up by a consumer complaint board, which likewise, however, issues only recommendations. This board handles all kinds of complaints by consumers – most of them concerning used cars and holiday-packages.