Mandatory continuing education needed to raise standards in legal profession -AG

The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has said there is need for continuing education in the legal fraternity.
He made this remark following complaints received about the conduct of lawyers.
This matter of continuing education will be discussed with the Bar Association of Guyana with a view to raising the standards in that profession, he has said.
The Guyana Bar Association is the recognised body that represents the interests of local attorneys-at-law. Membership is voluntary, and comprises attorneys admitted to practise law in Guyana.
“In the legal profession in certain countries, you have continuing education made mandatory. I believe the time is right now in Guyana for us to consider that as a serious option,” he said during his weekly programme of ‘Issues in the News.’
The AG noted that while he does not have a supervisory role of lawyers and other legal professionals, the Bar Association can assist in this respect, and will be engaged.
“The Government is prepared to partner with any profession, in particular the legal profession, in ensuring that there is continuing education in the profession. And I believe it would help to raise the standards of the profession,” Nandlall has said.
Noting that he does not foresee the idea being rejected, the AG pointed out that many laws are being amended or passed in the National Assembly, and lawyers are also required to be educated on those pieces of legislation.
The Attorney General’s Chambers recently met with the Executive of the Guyana Bar Association to discuss issues of mutual importance, including the need for continuous consultations on major bills concerning the legal sector. At that meeting, the Association requested that consultations should last for four to six weeks in order to review and discuss the bills.