13 September 2021 08:34 am Views - 562
By Lakmal Sooriyagoda
Several complaints have been lodged with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) against two Attorneys-at-Law for allegedly sharing video clips on social media for the purpose of unfairly attracting clients, informed sources told Daily Mirror yesterday.
According to sources, these complaints relating to the alleged breach of professional etiquette on the part of two lawyers have been referred to BASL’s ethics committee. The sources further said observations have to be called from the relevant parties regarding these incidents as a part of BASL’s internal inquiry.
The legal fraternity in the country recently raised concerns over two video footages shared on social media by a male and a female lawyer contrary to professional ethics. These videos were in the public domain.
Speaking on behalf of the country’s legal fraternity, a senior lawyer who wished to remain anonymous said that he was highly disappointed after seeing these Facebook pages were created for the purpose of promoting lawyers through advertisements.
“The law is a profession. The members of the Bar are sworn to a high standard of conduct. Unfortunately, there are always a few lawyers who forget their role as members of a profession. There is a danger that the lawyer who advertises and solicits will use unethical tactics to win cases,” the senior lawyer added. He stressed that BASL should take necessary action against those who violate the Supreme Court rules.
According to section 39 of Supreme Court (conduct of and etiquette for Attorney-at-Law) Rules 1988, an attorney-at-Law should not under any circumstances by himself or through another directly or indirectly resort to the practice of touting.
The expression touting includes the following acts or conduct.
1). Engaging in any manner for any commission, payment or consideration of the services of any person to solicit clientele.
2). Advertising in any manner for the purpose of unfairly attracting clientele for himself.