Law Society's president blames a few bad apples
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Thursday December 13 2007
THE President of the Law Society has attempted to move attention away from rogue solicitors -- accusing the media of only focusing on a tiny minority.
But he admitted that new modern standards need to be put in place to reflect the substantial changes in the profession in the last century. Last week newly elected James MacGuill rejected criticisms from the Master of the High Court, saying his "knee jerk reactions" would not solve the complex range of issues that are currently affecting the profession.
His comments come after two high-profile cases in which solicitors misappropriated tens of millions in clients money.
In an interview published yesterday he hit back, saying the vast majority of lawyers are delivering "fantastic" service to clients.
"We also know that the limelight will always shine on the tiny majority who fail to meet those standards," he said in the Law Society Gazette.
"At the end of the day, if we ask ourselves the right question, we will get the right answer. The right question is 'What is in the public interest?', because what is in the public interest is in the profession's interest.
"That may involve a broader consultation at this time to make sure we are delivering what is, in fact, a 2007 standard. This might involve adjustments to standards that were put in place in the last century. We ourselves must look and see if we can satisfy and reassure the public in a more effective way."
He also dismissed claims from members of the Society that their views hadn't been adequately represented in cases before the courts.
"Sometimes effective representation is not loud or visible representation," the Dundalk native said.
"It's by doing good work on, for instance, the Property Registration Authority to try and improve conveyancing matters, and participation in the work of the Law Reform Commission."
He said he hopes that in the coming year the Society will provide greater leadership to the profession.
- Edel Kennedy
