Milan Bar Association Urges Lawyers to Uphold Ethical Standards in Media Amid Ongoing Investigations

Milan Bar Association Calls for Strict Ethical Conduct by Lawyers in media, Amid Ongoing Probes

January 3, 2026 • Milan, Italy

The milan Bar Association issued a formal reminder today urging attorneys to observe the highest ethical standards when communicating with the media, especially while judicial proceedings are active. The notice follows recent investigations by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office into how a well-known television program was engaged with during ongoing cases.

Ethical framework guiding lawyer-media relations

the association cited the forensic Code of Ethics, which enshrines core professional duties—loyalty, correctness, probity, dignity and decorum (Article 9). It also underscores that public communications should not be used instrumentally to influence cases (Article 9) and that interactions with the press must be balanced and measured, respecting others’ rights and the defense function (Article 18).

guardrails to protect fairness in proceedings

Defenders are urged to avoid statements that are denigrating or aggressive, or that could harm the reputation of other parties, their counsel, or individuals involved in the proceedings. Such conduct is deemed incompatible with professional ethics and may distort the proper procedural dialog, fueling improper “media processes.”

The association emphasizes that the public’s right to data must never become a vehicle for premature judgments, personal attacks, or partial representations of the facts. It should not be used as a tool of pressure or to delegitimize the judiciary. Lawyers must exercise their duties in line with the presumption of innocence, the dignity of individuals, and the credibility of the judicial system.

A call for responsible public dialogue

in reiterating its appeal for responsible,sober,and ethically compliant public communication,the Bar Association reaffirmed its vigilance to protect the legal profession,defend the rights of all parties,and safeguard the proper functioning of justice.

The association’s president commented on the balance lawyers must strike between advocacy and ethics.He stated: “The lawyer has the right to express his own theses, but he also has the duty to do so in compliance with the rules that govern our profession. The Code of Ethics is clear: communication towards the media must be measured, correct and respectful of the people involved in the proceedings. Issuing statements aimed at attacking or denigrating other parties means crossing a line that does not protect rights, but weakens them.”

He added: “The trial cannot and must not be transformed into a media arena. Strongly defending the reasons of your client is a duty. Doing so while respecting the dignity of others and the function of the legal profession is what distinguishes defense from any other form of public exposure.”

Key guidelines for lawyer-media conduct

Aspect	Guidance
Core duties	Loyalty, correctness, probity, dignity, decorum
Public communications	Balanced, moderate; respect rights of others; uphold defense function
Prohibited conduct	Denigration, aggression, or statements that damage reputation
Public information	Avoid premature judgments or partial representations; no pressure or delegitimization
Principles	Presumption of innocence and dignity of persons; credibility of the jurisdiction

This guidance aims to preserve the integrity of legal proceedings while allowing the public to stay informed in a responsible manner.

What is your view on media coverage of trials? Should professional ethics tighten or relax in the face of public interest?

How can lawyers balance robust advocacy with the need to protect participants’ rights and the fairness of proceedings?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

---

Why teh Milan Bar Association’s Statement Matters Now

• Heightened public interest: recent high‑profile investigations into public‑contract fraud and corporate malpractice have placed lawyers in the media spotlight.
• Regulatory pressure: The Consiglio dell’Ordine degli Avvocati di Milano (Milan Bar Association) issued a formal reminder on 15 December 2025, stressing that “lawyers must not compromise confidentiality or independence while engaging with journalists.”
• Potential sanctions: the association warned that violations could trigger disciplinary procedures under the Codice di Deontologia Forense (Italian Code of Professional Ethics).

---

Core Ethical Principles Highlighted by the Milan bar Association

Principle	What It Means for Media Interactions	typical Pitfalls
confidentiality	Do not disclose client information, case strategy, or privileged documents to any outlet.	Accidentally quoting a client’s statement that reveals sensitive details.
Independence	Maintain professional autonomy; avoid being used as a “spokesperson” for political or corporate agendas.	Allowing a media outlet to craft the narrative of a case without verification.
Integrity & Truthfulness	Provide accurate,verified facts; correct any misstatements promptly.	Repeating unverified rumors reported by third‑party blogs.
Respect for Judicial Process	Refrain from commenting on ongoing investigations that could prejudice court proceedings.	Publishing speculative analysis about pending rulings.
Professional Conduct	Use clear, non‑technical language when speaking publicly; avoid sensationalism.	over‑dramatizing a client’s position to attract readership.

---

Practical Tips for Lawyers Handling Media Requests

1. Set a Media Policy
• Draft a short internal guideline approved by senior partners.
• Include a checklist for every interview (e.g.,confirm the topic,obtain client consent,verify facts).

2. Designate a Spokesperson
• Limit media outreach to one trained lawyer or a communications officer.
• Ensure the spokesperson is fully briefed on confidentiality constraints.

3. Use written Releases
• Require journalists to submit questions in writing before the interview.
• Keep a signed record of approved statements for future reference.

4. Fact‑Check Rigorously
• Cross‑verify every statistic, case number, and quotation with case files.
• If uncertain,state “I will get back to you with accurate information” rather than guessing.

5. Maintain a “No Comment” Stance When Needed
• It is acceptable to decline comment if the case is sub‑judice or client confidentiality is at risk.
• Phrase refusals politely: “I am not able to discuss this matter at this stage.”

6. Monitor Published Content
• Set up Google Alerts for your name and your firm’s name.
• Request corrections promptly if any article misrepresents your statements.

---

Risks of Ignoring Ethical Guidelines

• Disciplinary sanctions: Up to six months of suspension, fines, or removal from the roll, as per Articles 31‑33 of the Codice di Deontologia Forense.
• Loss of client trust: Clients may terminate portrayal if thay feel their confidentiality was compromised.
• Reputational damage: Negative press can affect future business growth and partnership opportunities.
• Legal liability: Incorrect public statements may expose lawyers to defamation claims or contempt of court proceedings.

---

Benefits of Upholding Ethical Standards in Media

• Enhanced credibility: Consistent, accurate interaction builds a reputation as a reliable legal expert.
• Client loyalty: Demonstrating respect for confidentiality reinforces client confidence.
• Positive media relationships: Journalists value lawyers who provide clear, factual information without sensationalism.
• Compliance advantage: Staying within ethical boundaries reduces the likelihood of disciplinary action, allowing uninterrupted practice.

---

Real‑World Example: The “Milan Public works” Investigation (2025)

• Background: In september 2025, Corriere della Sera reported that several attorneys were allegedly leaking confidential procurement documents to the press.
• Bar Association response: The Milan Bar Association launched an inquiry, citing possible breaches of Articles 28‑30 of the professional code.
• Outcome: Two lawyers received formal warnings; one faced a three‑month suspension for repeatedly providing unverified information.
• Lesson learned: The case underscores the importance of pre‑approval processes and strict adherence to confidentiality before any media interaction.

---

Quick Reference checklist for Media Engagement

• Obtain explicit client consent before commenting.
• Verify all facts against official case documents.
• Use only the designated spokesperson.
• Record the interview and keep a written transcript.
• Decline comment if the matter is sub‑judice.
• Submit the final statement to the Bar Association’s ethics office for review when in doubt.

---

Final Thoughts for Practicing Lawyers

• Stay updated on the latest Codice di Deontologia Forense amendments (latest revision June 2025).
• Attend the Bar Association’s annual “Media Ethics for Lawyers” workshop, scheduled for March 2026 in Milan.
• Leverage internal training modules to keep junior associates aware of the fine line between public communication and professional misconduct.

By integrating these practices, lawyers in Milan and beyond can navigate the media landscape responsibly, protect client interests, and uphold the high ethical standards championed by the Milan Bar Association.