There has been a noticeable rise in breaches of ethics and professional standards by lawyers, and those in the profession must act together to guard against a drop in standards, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said on Monday.
Speaking at an annual ceremony to mark the opening of the legal year, the Chief Justice said: "My point is that a looming decline in ethical and professional standards is likely to be exacerbated if we do not actively apply ourselves to fostering the sort of values that must characterise our profession, and a drop in standards cannot and will not be tolerated.
"We must therefore act together to guard against this." The event was held at the Supreme Court auditorium, with about 300 members of the legal community attending in person, after two years of online and hybrid formats.
In his speech, Chief Justice Menon noted the rising number of disciplinary tribunals over the years: 12 were appointed in 2018 to formally investigate complaints against lawyers, 13 in 2019, 16 in 2020, 28 in 2021 and 25 in 2022.
He said it was critical that lawyers remain anchored to the values of honesty, integrity and service, amid the changes affecting the profession.
At least three trends can be discerned from the disciplinary cases, he said.
First, a drop in client care standards. In many cases, lawyers acted contrary to their clients' instructions, failed to keep their clients reasonably informed of the proceedings, or were disloyal to their clients' interests.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 10, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 10, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Train staff strike over Olympic bonuses
PARIS - Drivers and ticket inspectors on Paris commuter trains launched a one-day strike on May 21 to pressure management over bonuses for the Olympics in July and August, leading to criticism of union tactics.
LIGHTNING STRIKE READY TO GO BOOM OVER 1,00M
Fairly new Fitzsimmons-Curatolo pairing likely to gain traction if Derby hope scores
Could Shein lose its shine?
Activists may yet have the power to disrupt the fast-fashion brand's growth as governments crack down on fast fashion’s harms.
More firms aware lack of focus on sustainability hurts bottom line
78% of small firms in survey lost existing or potential business due to emission demands
Haidilao eyes global growth after positive US debut
Super Hi International Holding, the international operator of China's popular hot-pot chain Haidilao, is planning to boost its international footprint following a listing in the United States that has been well received.
Pixar to lay off 175 workers as it returns focus to feature films
LOS ANGELES Pixar will stop making original shows for Disney+ as part of a broader retrenchment, resulting in layoffs that will reduce its workforce by 14 per cent.
28 properties part of 530m in cash, assets seized from duo who fled
More than $530 million in cash and assets, including 28 properties, have been issued with prohibition of disposal orders or seized from two foreigners who have fled the country.
S’pore army gets more accurate, ergonomic light machine gun
Infantry soldiers here have started using a more reliable, accurate and ergonomic light machine gun (LMG) that is better suited for close-quarters combat.
Rising to challenge of building MRT tunnel above KPE
Gap of 37cm is all that separates a section of TEL from expressway tunnel beneath it
Trump opts not to take witness stand in hush money case
Defence rests, clearing way for jurors to start deliberations in criminal case
