Saturday, 4th September 2010
Due to the nature of legal practice, we all face ethical dilemmas at some time or another. If you are troubled by a particular situation and find you are not sure what to do, help is available.
The Law Society of South Australia invites its members to contact Denise Watkins, Director of Professional Standards.
Professional Standards Section
Law Society SA
Phone: (08) 8229 0229
Fax: (08) 8410 5688
Law Society web site
All articles from Canadian Bar Association unless noted otherwise.
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A common question asked of criminal lawyers is "How do you defend somebody who you think is guilty?". For an interesting discussion on this issue, see the Radio National's the Law Report's 'The Ethics of Criminal Lawyers' interview:
Level 3, 33 Franklin Street, Adelaide
GPO Box 230, Adelaide SA 5001
Phone: (08) 8212 7924
Free Call: 1800 337 570
Fax: (08) 8231 0747
Email: lpcb@lpcb.com.au
Information on the web site for practitioners includes advice as to how to respond to a complaint.
Unless you are determined to turn a query into a formal complaint or Professional Negligence Claim.
It is not the end of the world. Although it may start to seem that way if you don't follow Rule No. 3.
This will help to get it into perspective and you can start getting help to see if there really is a problem. There may be answers that you have not seen. If there is, then together you can work out what you might do about it.
Talk to Law Claims if it even potentially involves a professional negligence claim. They are very experienced and will talk to you confidentially.
If you are looking for an independent senior solicitor who is sympathetic to the problems of being a practitioner and who has already volunteered to help, then consider the Papa Panel provided by the Law Society of South Australia. (you need to log-in to access the list, or just call them).
The Independent Bar are also very generous and supportive of practitioners in times of crisis.
