Attorney at law, Sir Brian Alleyne, has said he is ‘severely disturbed’ at what he described as the ‘dishonorable conduct’ by some members of the legal profession in Dominica.
Speaking at a lecture on the relationship between faith and the legal system on Monday evening, Alleyne said it appears that a small minority of legal practitioners “is destroying the reputation of the entire profession.”
“It used to be referred to as an honorable profession,” he stated. “I fear that in some circles today it is not considered to be either honorable or professional.”
Alleyne lamented the fact that too often “we hear of dishonorable conduct, in particular inter-meddling in client’s funds by members of the profession.”
“One such case, in my view, is too often,” the senior jurist noted.
He went on to say that the profession is not regulated as it ought to be while “some practitioners carry on their merry ways.”
“Clients complain but receive no satisfaction,” the former acting chief justice of the OECS supreme court stated.
He remarked that some 20 years ago a draft legal profession bill was circulated but it appears nothing has came out of it.
“That bill made provision for the regulation of the profession including the oversight of financial probity on the part of practitioners particularly in relations to monies collected on the behalf of, and and trust for clients,” Alleyne noted. “And I emphasis that clients funds are held in trust.”
He also made it clear that he is not an idealist and don’t expect perfection in the profession “which I am very proud of.
“I also realize in a small community like the legal profession in Dominica self regulation is difficult,” he said.
A legal professions bill which seeks to provide disciplinary action and a code of ethics to govern the practice of lawyers was tabled for consideration in parliament on September 28, 2010.
Many attorneys on the island have said the the passage of the bill is long overdue.
It is very disturbing to listen and read about the SOBS that is going
On in this country, and no justice for those who are getting the
brunt of such evil deeds of the so called professionals. Only in DA
this PLP get away with crap. The PLP in DA are still dormant.
I am pleased to provide further information and explanation for those who are not familiar with The Red Mass and its Historical Background, taken from the program for this Mass.
Brian Alleyne and other attorneys please take note.
I previously stated that the Red Mass is traditionally celebrated to invoke the inspiration of the Holy Spirit on behalf of those involved in the administration of justice. It has a particular significance for judges, lawyers, police officers and others associated with the legal process.
The Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit is celebrated annually to mark the beginning of the Michaelmas term. It takes its familiar name from the colors of the different judicial robes and that of the vestments worn by the Mass celebrant.
Having first been introduced in England in the reign of Edward in the year 1310, the Red Mass has been held annually in Westminster Cathedral, London, since 1904. The site of its celebration in France, where it was originated b y King Louis, is the Sainte Chapelle Cathedral in Paris. The Red Mass is celebrated in most major cities in North America.
The Red Mass was first held in Toronto in 1925, its sponsorship was assumed by the Guild of Our Lady of Good Counsel in 1931. In 1965, the Thomas More Lawyers Guild of Toronto was formed as a non-profit corporation, its objectives include the sponsorship of the Red Mass and the promotion of the intellectual and spiritual welfare of its members.
The Red Mass is a reminder to all that law is based on the eternal law of God and Divine Justice.
Michaelmas is a traditional Christian feast day. A Christian holy day marking the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, September 29th, when Christians remember Saint Michael.
The Toronto Catholic Cathedral is named and called St. Michael’s Cathedral – St. Michael, obviously as its Patron Saint. It is also a tourist sight. It reminds me of the Roseau Cathedral and appears to be approximately the same size.
If Dominica does not have such a Mass for those involved in the administration of justice, one should be established. Blessings and graces will abound from no other but our God, The Blessed Trinity, on the administration of justice – the justice system.
Please take note Bishop Malzaire and other members of the Clergy.
If this Mass is established the Processional/ Entrance Hymn is, “Come Holy Ghost Creator Come”, a Catholic traditional hymn. At the end of Mass the National Anthem is sung. God bless all!
Well, as the wise and inspired Blessed (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta said, “God will not ask if you succeeded but if you tried.”
Complete perfection is to be found in Heaven. Hope we all obtain it.
While reading this article, I remembered one September evening I had attended a Concelebrated Holy Mass, a traditional annual Mass called “The Red Mass” at St. Michael’s Cathedral in downtown Toronto. It is a Mass for those who are involved in the judicial system. Some of those who attend this Mass are attired in their red robes of their office.
It is traditionally celebrated to invoke the inspiration of the Holy Spirit on behalf of those involved in the administration of justice prior to the commencement of the annual Court Assizes. Judges, attorneys, government officials, other dignitaries including parishioners from different parishes attend. It is a beautiful Mass. In effect it could be said it is for Lawyers in general. They are not all Catholics. The following prayer for Lawyers is taken from the program of the Mass:
The Red Mass is a reminder to all that law is based on the eternal law of God and Divine Justice.
Dominicans who are involved in the judicial system should adopt this prayer and pray it daily. I do believe that, the Lord wants you to pray it that it may assist you in prosecuting and defending criminals fairly and in the honest administration of your other duties to your clients.
A LAWYER’S PRAYER
SAINT THOMAS MORE, counselor and advocate, learned in the law, chancellor of charity and jurist of justice, mercy martyr, scholar and canonized saint, may the Lord of all law and of all lawyers make me at your request a little more like you today than I was yesterday.
PRAY THAT FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF God and in pursuit of His justice, I may be able in argument, accurate in analysis, strict in study, correct in conclusion, candid with clients, honest with adversaries, faithful in all details to the faith. Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my client’s tales. Read with me in my library and stand beside me in court so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul.
PRAY that my spouse and children may find in me what they have a right there to see – honor and humility, cheerfulness and charity, an approach to wisdom, counsel, sound consolation, and a little bit of the shadow of you.
SAINT THOMAS MORE, brother lawyer who by your membership has proven our sullied profession not only honorable but also compatible with sanctity, pray for us now engaged in the struggle to imitate our Divine Master.
LORD CHANCELLOR, stand retained by us before the Infinite Lord Justice who will preside when we are to be tried.
I thought that I would share the above with you, if you are not aware of it. Dominican judges, magistrates and attorneys would do well to adopt St. Thomas More, the Patron of Lawyers, as their Patron Saint and pray this prayer consistently. This should make them godly wise and truthful in their profession and able to exercise their duties ethically according, primarily to the Law of God, the Creator and Ruler of the world.
May God bless you and inspire you to conduct yourselves appropriately when at Court and when dealing with your clients.
When DLP tabled the bill who showed resistance? Reflect.
Qualify your label reflections. AS exile ONe sang Reflece’ avant ou parle.
DLP should be qualifiyed as Infilrated DLP as it is comprised and led by freedomites.
The real/authentic DLP is on the out side betrayed read Saverin McKenie’s letter of distancing himself from the infiltrates.
Not surprise, some of us go to get a higher education to practice what we learn with dignity, class, and in a way that does so lawfully, other get a higher education just for show.
For also earthly status, recognition, to get rich, amass worldly wealth and material possessions. They cannot take it with them when they die. God will hold them accountable for the manner in which they exercise their duties toward their clients.
A good number of Dominican lawyers are crooks. The care about making loads of money without a care in the world about their clients. I have heard of many stories about people who pay lawyers for legal work, fly to Dominica to sign documents only to find out the lawyer has not touched the papers.
Most of these guys would only be able to practice in places like Dominica. Anywhere else and they would be disbarred.
I have heard how slow some are, taking long to prepare papers. Some of them who are telephoned cannot be found. Some are slow to respond and are never in their office. This is frustrating for their clients who expect prompt service and action for the exorbitant fees they pay. When news as this gets around especially overseas, it gives those lawyers a bad reputation. It is a disgrace to the Dominica legal profession. It also discredits all lawyers.
Dominica is still practicing under the “Dark Ages” they are trying to copycat other Developed countries but still holding on to their small minds& prejudices. These are very dishonest Lawyers who put money before their profession. They could only PRACTICE IN DA and DA only.
Good job Mr Alleyne. You are a real patriot!
Yes some Lawyers exhibit very deplorable behaviors such as falsifying Wills in order to legally own land which they are not entitled to. What is most troubling though, is that after such cases are thrown out by a judge or judgement is made in favour of the rightful owners, the same cases are brought back in the court system after a few years have passed.
In my opinion, these lawyers who blatantly disregard the proper ethics of law practice and blatantly steel from clients, misrepresent clients by calling up their colleagues and sharing confidential info to opposing lawyers, should be banned from practicing law in the country. There should be an independent board to investigate and prosecute these lawyers/liars/thieves.
One Love Dominicans.
Agree!
Many are double agents for themselves and then for the client.Other times for themselves and the Gov’t. figure it out.
he is telling us what we all know already but it is commendable that a man of his calibur, in the eyes of the Caribbean, is speaking a truth that deaf ears will maybe now hear.
A great reminder.
The ruling DLP adminsitration tabled the legal Profession Bill in the Parliament alomst three years ago but it has not progrssed. WHy? Would some of the lawyers associated with the government be adversely affected by its enactment?
I hope, after Brian Alleyne’s observance and comments, it will be reviewed, if necessary modified and then enacted. The Dominica legal profession appears to be in dire need of directives for ethical purposes.
Rightly so Mr. Alleyne.
So many Dominicans are crying in silence over what Lawyers have done to them and their children.
Take land paper as colateral for defense and never return it.
Take loads of moneys from poor people and went overseas.
Lie to clients about representation and not showing up for cases.I can go on and on.
It is time for an oversight committe be put in place to receive reports and place sanctions on these corrupt LIARS.
But agian all of them are in the same barrel so non wil come forward to start such proffessional body
I agree with the comment it’s over due something must be done I went thru too much for years with different lawyers they are helping to distroy the Island out of greed.
Big up to Mr.Alleyne you are the man.
It is worthwhile to expose their shady actions. They are referred to as shady characters who masquerade as reputable lawyers. The government should do something about this. It is time that something is done to restore the dignity of the legal profession and to excercise honest professionalism.
Brian can expond on this one.
The case of Trevey Bruney and QC.
That did not come up at the lecture no one had the C.O. Jones to bring it up?