…AG calls for calls mandatory continuing legal education to address complaints against lawyers

IN a bid to foster closer collaboration with the legal community, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has reached an agreement with the Bar Association of Guyana to set a clear timeline for consultations on key legal sector bills.
Nandlall made the disclosure last week during his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News’, following a recent meeting with the executive body of the Bar Association, during which several fundamental issues of mutual importance were discussed. Among the key outcomes was the consensus on a consultation period of four to six weeks for significant legal sector legislation.

“We already consult on a regular basis, but what the Bar Association was asking for is if we can have a defined limit in terms of the period for the consultation,” Nandlall explained. “They say that sometimes they do not get sufficient time to do the review of the bills and discuss.”
According to him, the agreed timeframe is expected to enhance the efficacy of the consultation process by allowing the Bar Association adequate time to review draft legislation, provide feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with the government.
The Attorney-General emphasised the importance of engaging with the Bar Association as a key stakeholder in the legislative process. “So, we agreed on a timeframe. We welcome consultations on important Bills. And the Bar is an important stakeholder, in particular in respect of Bills. Every opportunity we get as a government, we would like to engage the Bar…”
This structured consultation framework is anticipated to ensure that proposed laws benefit from the expertise and perspectives of the legal community.  Such collaboration, Nandlall noted, aligns with the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and the development of well-informed legislation.  The Bar Association has long participated in the consultation process.

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
Nandlall also indicated his intention to discuss the need for continuing legal education with the Bar Association. This, he explained, is in response to numerous complaints he has received about lawyers, underscoring the importance of ongoing professional development to uphold standards within the legal profession.  “We have a serious problem in Guyana. Almost everyday persons call me from in Guyana and from overseas to complain about lawyers’ conduct. I get complaints on a regular basis and I have to engaged the Bar Association on them,” he said.
Nandlall acknowledged that while he frequently receives numerous complaints about lawyers, his role is limited. The attorney general clarified that he does not have any supervisory or disciplinary authority over lawyers in Guyana, as such powers are vested in the disciplinary committee established under the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Act.

The Legal Practitioners Committee (LPC) was established under the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Act and is a body in charge of hearing and determining complaints made against attorneys-at-law. Members of the public who want to lodge complaints against practicing members of the Bar can do so with the LPC at the Court of Appeal’s Registry.

This committee, which is presided over by lawyers, handles complaints and takes action when necessary.  “Outside of occasionally calling lawyers for updates, I really can’t do much when people lodge these complaints,” Nandlall explained.
To address these concerns, Nandlall proposed introducing mandatory continuing legal education as a proactive solution. He noted that such requirements are already a standard practice in other professions and in the legal sectors of various countries. This, he suggested, could enhance accountability and maintain high professional standards within the legal community.

“I believe the time is ripe now in Guyana for us to consider that as a serious option. In any event, we are passing too many important laws not to have continuing education. And the government is prepared to partner with any profession, in particular the legal profession, in ensuring that there is continuing legal education.

“I believe it will help to raise the standards of the profession. Lawyers are expected to always continue reading because that is the nature of the profession. You have to keep reading. The law changes with alarming frequency and if you don’t read and you are not adept and up to date, then you will be left behind and the law will move ahead,” he said.

The Bar Association of Guyana is the recognised body representing the interests of attorneys-at-law in Guyana. Membership is voluntary and comprises attorneys-at-law admitted to practice law in Guyana. The Bar Association is governed by a 12-member Bar Council, elected annually, comprising of a president, two vice-presidents, secretary, assistant secretary and treasurer being the executive and six council members.