-Title:Complaints against lawyers on the rise
-Writer:K.C. Vijayana, LAW CORRESPONDENT
-Date:Monday, 8 Feb 2010
-Issue source:THE STRAITS TIMES home PAGE B2
Recently, there is an increase in complaints of lawyers. The complaints were most about inefficient service, and overcharging and fraud. Now, the law society chef hopes to find a better way to solve the problems.
I agreed that the problems are very serious. The lawyers themselves are actually the representative of justice. How can they abuse their rights? If we let it be, how can innocent citizens’ right be protected? However, the problem is still hard to solve. Firstly, the inefficiency is generally occurring in many job areas. This is a problem of attitude which cannot be easily solved. Maybe a proper award policy will help the staff work harder and more efficient. Then, the overcharging is also hard to control. Most of the clients may not have the experience of lawsuit before. Hence, they may not familiar with the procedures and the fees. Then, the lawyers may take advantage of it and get some extra money. Therefore, the law society may find a way to let the clients know what the procedures are and what the fees are. Although it will be a long way to change the situation, I hope it will be corrected.
However, maybe we also should think about why the complaints against lawyers are so high. As we know from the passage, 30 percent of the complaints were unreasonable. Maybe the clients did not win the lawsuits and then blamed the lawyers for their loose. Although it is their job to help the clients win the lawsuits, there will still be a side which loses. People should not be so critical to them. Moreover, sometime it is the clients themselves caused the lawyer’s bribe. Many people may think if they pay more money, it will be a larger chance to win. If the lawyer refuses the money, they will lose the confidence. Hence, I really think the attitude from the clients also matters.
I think the situation of lawyers now should be changed as soon as possible. However, people should not be so critical to them and show some proper respect.
By Brandy
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I think what you mentioned in your review had clearly shown your opinions about this problem. You thought that both the clients and the lawyers were responsible on this problem. It is a problem more of attidute than of policies.
ReplyDeleteI generally agreed with you. It is indeed needed both lawyers and clients to solve this problem. However, I think we should not put so much pressure on the lawyers. Maybe, for the society, the lawyer is a symbol of justice. As for themselves, it is just an occupation that they live on. Of course, they cannot take bribes from the clients. Actually, the bribery is not allowed for any occupation. Why do people focus more on the lawyers? Does it mean that we can turn a blind eye towards others to take bribes? Of course not. Hence, people in the society should take a overall view and find the root of the problem.
-------Crystal, Alphabet