The Fiji Law Society has raised significant concerns regarding the dwindling standards of professionalism within the legal community in Fiji. During an Attorney-General’s conference attended by approximately 100 lawyers, Graham Leung, the society’s president, highlighted the adverse impact of rapid social and political changes on legal professionals. Mr. Leung expressed that legal practitioners are facing unprecedented challenges and criticized a concerning number of lawyers for failing to uphold their responsibilities to the courts and the public.
Mr. Leung pointed out that mediocrity seems to have become the standard within the profession, with notable declines across various aspects of national life. He referenced an alarming statistic: since 1998, 56 percent of complaints against lawyers handled by the society involved issues of unprofessional conduct or professional misconduct. Other complaints noted included delays in legal processes (24 percent), free disputes (13 percent), and violations concerning trust accounts (7 percent).
He warned that some members of the legal profession have blurred the lines between providing objective legal counsel and engaging in unlawful activities disguised as political advocacy. The recent surge in lawlessness in Fiji has contributed to this troubling mindset, leading some lawyers to believe they are above the law. Mr. Leung urged legal professionals to reflect on their role in the profession and to recommit to high ethical standards.
In a hopeful development, this call for introspection could lead to a renewed commitment among lawyers to uphold the integrity of their profession. By addressing these concerns and actively pursuing improvement, Fiji’s legal community has the potential to enhance public trust and reinvigorate its ethical foundations.
Summary: The Fiji Law Society has expressed concerns about the decline in professionalism among its members, citing significant misconduct statistics. Society president Graham Leung urged lawyers to reflect on their ethical responsibilities in light of recent challenges facing the legal profession, suggesting that such introspection could lead to a positive turnaround.
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