In addition to being marked by public expectations and framed by the rules contained in a code of ethics, professional social work practice is subject to the control and direction of employers via the employment contract. Taking into account case law, which specifies the effects of the superimposition of the qualities of the status of the professional and employee in Québec, we will present a legal and ethical framework to help us interpret the statutory rules as well as contractual obligations towards the employer. This will facilitate an understanding of the requirements that come with the right to practice the profession along with the extent to which these obligations can have repercussions on the quality of services required of professionals, and even on the professionals themselves. Based on the new version of the Code of Ethics for members of the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec, we shall identify ways of dealing with these obligations, which can create tension in the workplace.