Nation Update: Bar Association takes a stand

Añadido: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]Members of the public may have recently seen reports concerning an attorney at law who has been convicted and is presently awaiting sentencing.

[00:00:09]The council condemns in the strongest terms any conduct by members of the profession that falls short of the ethical and professional standards expected of an attorney at law.

[00:00:20]Where such matters arise, they are addressed through the established disciplinary and legal processes.

[00:00:27]The bar has consistently supported the proper operation of those mechanisms, including sanctions up to and including disbarment where warranted.

[00:00:38]The council reaffirms its commitment to initiating and pursuing disciplinary proceedings against its members in appropriate cases as part of its broader broader responsibility to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice and the integrity of the profession.

[00:00:55]Over the past several weeks, the council has received a number of complaints.

[00:01:00]Those complaints relate to individuals who appear to be holding themselves out as attorneys at law or who are otherwise providing what can be deemed legal services without holding a valid practicing certificate.

[00:01:15]The bar did not issue these cease notices lightly.

[00:01:19]They were issued in discharge of its duty to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the administration of justice.

[00:01:28]We want to address something plainly because we anticipate it may be asked.

[00:01:33]Some may wonder whether the council is acting to protect the livelihoods of its members, to guard market share, as it were.

[00:01:41]We want to be direct.

[00:01:43]This is not what this is about.

[00:01:47]The Barbados Bar Association exists to, amongst other things, one, uphold the administration of justice.

[00:01:54]Two, prohibit the unauthorized of law, and three, protect the public in their dealings with persons and individuals purporting to provide legal representation.

[00:02:07]One of the aims and objectives of the association is to establish and maintain a system of prompt and efficient legal advice and legal aid for those individuals in need.

[00:02:20]These are not empty words on a letterhead.

[00:02:23]They represent our genuine aims and objectives.

[00:02:27]When we are made aware of conduct by individuals that may place members of the public at risk of harm, financial harm, legal harm, the loss of rights they may never recover, we will speak out and act, and this includes taking action against attorneys at law as well when necessary.

[00:02:47]With respect to unqualified individuals who purport to practice law, we want members of the public to understand clearly what is at stake when this happens.

[00:02:59]A duly admitted attorney at law is subject to the comprehensive framework of professional regulation.

[00:03:06]That framework includes a code of ethics, requirements of professional competence, and disciplinary oversight.

[00:03:14]It means that if an attorney fails you, if they act incompetently, if they mishandle your funds, if they betray your trust, you have recourse.

[00:03:25]You can make a formal complaint. In appropriate cases, you may have civil remedies available to you because a duty of care is owed to you by reason of their profession.

[00:03:38]You can pursue disciplinary proceedings by making a formal complaint to the disciplinary committee, which acts independently of the Barbados Bar Association.

[00:03:50]It is important to draw a clear distinction between the Barbados Bar Association and the Disciplinary Committee.

[00:03:59]The Disciplinary Committee is an independent statutory body.

[00:04:03]It is not controlled by the Council of the Barbados Bar Association, and the Council has no oversight over its decision-making or operations.

[00:04:15]The disciplinary function, however, is deliberately separated from the association to ensure independence and fairness in the determination of complaints against attorneys at law.

[00:04:27]By contrast, recourse is limited when the practice of law is purported to be by someone who is not qualified and not regulated.

[00:04:38]Such an individual is not bound by enforceable standards.

[00:04:43]They are not subject to professional discipline.

[00:04:47]Critically, if something goes wrong, you may be left without recourse.

[00:04:54]This is not a theoretical risk.

[00:04:58]These are real consequences that real people face.

[00:05:03]It is precisely to prevent those consequences that the law restricts the practice of law to those who are duly admitted and who hold a valid practicing certificate.

[00:05:16]Beyond these immediate concerns, the association is actively engaged in strengthening the regulatory framework governing the legal profession.

[00:05:25]This includes work with the government on proposed amendments to the Legal Profession Act, aimed at enhancing accountability, improving the effectiveness of disciplinary processes, and strengthening continuing legal education requirements, particularly in relation to ethics and competent professional practice.

[00:05:45]These reforms are intended to ensure that the profession continues to meet the highest standards and that public confidence in the administration of justice is maintained and strengthened over time.

[00:05:59]We close with a direct message to every member of the public in Barbados.

[00:06:04]If you need legal help, please seek out a qualified attorney at law.

[00:06:11]Ask to see their practicing certificate.

[00:06:14]You are entitled to do so and any reputable attorney will present it without hesitation.

[00:06:21]If you have any doubts about whether a person is qualified to practice, you may contact the office of the Barbados Bar Association and we will assist you.

[00:06:32]Your legal rights, your property, your family's welfare, and your access to justice is too important.

[00:06:41]The Barbados Bar Association will continue to do everything within its power to protect the public and to uphold the integrity of the administration of justice in this country.

[00:06:51]That has always been our commitment and it remains so today.

[00:06:55]The commitment is outstanding and it continues.

[00:06:59]Thank you.

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