The Fiji Law Society has expressed deep concern over the declining professionalism within Fiji’s legal community. During a recent Attorney-General’s conference attended by approximately 100 lawyers, President Graham Leung emphasized the challenges faced by legal professionals amid ongoing social and political changes. He remarked, “Legal professionals are under assault,” highlighting the troubling reality that many lawyers are failing to meet their responsibilities to the justice system and society at large.
Leung pointed out that excellence in legal practice appears to be increasingly rare, with mediocrity becoming more prevalent. He noted a worrying trend in declining standards across various facets of national life. The number of complaints lodged against legal practitioners has raised alarms, with 56 percent of grievances related to unprofessional conduct or professional misconduct. Additionally, delays in legal processes accounted for 24 percent of complaints, while issues surrounding free disputes and trust account violations constituted the remaining percentages.
The President further criticized certain lawyers who have blurred the lines between providing lawful guidance and engaging in unlawful activities, often disguising these actions as political advocacy. He attributed this concerning behavior to Fiji’s recent encounters with lawlessness, suggesting that some legal practitioners have developed a misguided sense of immunity to the law.
Leung urged lawyers to undertake serious self-reflection about their roles within the profession and the ethical standards that come with it. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and reminded legal professionals of their duty to act within the law, rather than operating under the illusion that they are above it.
This call for introspection within the legal fraternity serves as an important reminder of the values crucial to maintaining justice and integrity in society. As the legal community in Fiji works to address these challenges, there is hope that through reform and renewed commitment to professionalism, the standards of legal practice will improve for the benefit of all citizens.
Summary: The Fiji Law Society highlighted concerns over the declining professionalism of lawyers during an Attorney-General’s conference, with President Graham Leung noting that many legal practitioners are falling short of their responsibilities. He reported a significant percentage of complaints regarding unprofessional conduct and called for lawyers to self-reflect on their roles in the legal system, emphasizing the need for a renewed commitment to ethical standards.
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