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As regulator of Bermuda’s legal profession, the Association is responsible for both the regulation and discipline of members of the legal profession in Bermuda. Barristers & Attorneys admitted to the Bar in Bermuda are held to the same standards as other reputable Commonwealth jurisdictions.

 

Through an elected Bar Council the Bar Association is responsible for matters pertaining to admission to practice law in the jurisdiction and rules of conduct for its members.

 

The Bermuda Bar Association is privileged to be allowed to self-govern. The power to discipline its members is vested in the Bermuda Bar Council by the Bermuda Bar Act 1974.  There is a Code of Conduct that members are expected to abide by.  The Professional Conduct Committee investigates complaints where Barristers & Attorneys admitted to the Bermuda Bar may have failed to meet standards of professional competence, conduct and regrettably in some cases dishonesty. The governing body also prosecutes illegal practitioners who practice law or provide legal services to the public who are not licenced and have not been issued a Practising Certificate (renewal required annually).

 

In addition, in recognition of the fact that the legal profession is self-governing, the Bar Association receives, investigates and adjudicates complaints about its members.

 

In the course of the year, Disciplinary Tribunals have sat with the Chief Justice, or his Puisne Judges presiding. 

  

Summary of complaints 2022/2023

From 1st April 2022 through 31st of March 2023, the Professional Conduct Committee (“PCC”) made up of Keith Robinson, Lorren Wilson, Delroy Duncan K.C. Saul Froomkin K.C., Susan Davis-Crockwell, Larissa Burgess and Jeffrey Elkinson sat and held 10 meetings. On the positive side, there were eighteen (18) complaints of improper conduct less than the previous year. Seven (7) complaints remain on hold pending the outcome of civil proceedings. There are two (2) complaints on hold pending the final outcome of prosecutions by DPP. We await the sentencing in one of those matters to conclude. This arises from criminal activity on the part of Ms. Nancy Vieira. There remains two other serious criminal matters before the courts concerning attorneys.

 

Of the complaints made in the course of the year, fifteen complaints were closed, dismissed or withdrawn. One firm reached a without prejudice settlement with a complainant having recognised an error while carrying out legal work with legal fees returned. One member was admonished by the PCC for inaction which resulted in a delay to the complainant progressing a legal matter. Thirty-five (35) cases are either pending charges or are in progress at the Disciplinary Tribunal. Two matters concluded and the Registrar will publish appropriate notices in the Official Gazette.

 

Tribunal Hearings

Bar Council has secured the services of members of the Bar who assist in the processing some of the complaints to expedite some outstanding complaints. The rate paid to these attorneys is currently at $300. Although we are making some progress with as many as 5-7 tribunals being heard or at various stages of the process (preliminary, mention hearings, further mention hearings and finally substantive hearing), it is intended to advertise a 1-year prosecutor consultation post with the person engaged working exclusively out of the Bar Office. It has become necessary to do this to clear the backlog of complaints. It is also to be noted that there has been an increase in practicing members. This has resulted in an ever increasing burden on the administrative side of the Bar Office.

 

The Bar Office has found that there is difficulties in securing the services of willing panel members to sit alongside the chairing Supreme Court judge on Disciplinary Tribunals. Members who have current complaints against them and previous convictions recorded are not invited for appointment. It is a duty when asked to serve on a tribunal to take up the appointment. It should be regarded as a privilege to be invited by Bar Council or the Hon. Chief Justice for appointment to a panel. ‘Conflict’ must be considered but simply having a friendly relationship with a colleague who is now a ‘respondent’ is not in itself conflict.

 

The PCC has seen an increase in the number of complaints filed against senior members of the Bar. It is concerning to the PCC to see the names of established and well-respected attorneys appear on the Agenda. We ask that all members, including our senior ones, step back and evaluate whether they are fulfilling their obligation to be efficient in providing legal services to clients. There is an ever-increasing number of new rules and regulations to be complied with. On the other side, young attorneys should remember that they always have the opportunity to reach out to senior members of the bar where advice in a matter from those with experience in the particular area of law would be helpful.

 

Inspectors appointed to review accounting practices of the firm pursuant to Rule 7 of the Barristers (Accounts and Records) Rules 1976

There is no change under this head with seven complaints under the direct review of Deloitte & Touche inspectors, appointed by Bar Council to investigate forensic accounting of funds held within a law firm. This currently involves two firms. Three of these matters have been criminally charged by where the member pleaded not guilty. We await the outcome of trial proceedings. The remaining matters are still being investigated by Deloitte.

 

Fees Arbitration Committee (John Riihiluoma (Chair), Shirley Simmons & Mark Diel (conflicts considered at time of processing Arbitration)

Generally speaking, the amount of legal fees charged to a client is not a matter governed by the Code. Other than in the area of conveyancing, the Bar Council cannot and does not regulate what attorneys charge their clients for their services. The Bar Council does not have any statutory basis to deal with a complaint over fees in a formal way unless it is believed that the fee appears to be unfair or unreasonable. In such a case the matter is referred to the PCC as a possible violation of the Code.

 

The Fees’ Arbitration Committee is made up of three senior members of the Bar who volunteer their time to hear such complaints. The three members are John Riihiluoma as Chairman, Shirley Simmons and Mark Diel and the PCC expresses its thanks to them for their excellent service. Both parties must agree to be bound by the decision of the Fees committee prior to having the matter reviewed. There were no matters relating to fee disputes processed over the year.

 

Bar Council and the PCC announced last year that they were pleased to report that the Fees’ Arbitration Committee agreed to extend the scope of their appointment to where clients of firms who are aggrieved by legal fees charged may now opt to have their matter heard free of charge by the committee, provided that both the law firm and the client agree in writing to be bound by the decision of the Fees’ Arbitration Committee. Arbitration Rules will apply. The law firm, after having attempted to resolve the dispute and where the complainant agrees, may have the matter adjudicated under a Fees’ Arbitration. Copies of all invoices for work carried out would be provided to the Bar Office together with the narrative as to why there is a dispute for provision to the Committee. The Committee may impose further requirements as they see fit. A suitable date is then confirmed with both parties to attend a hearing.

 

Year over year comparison table (3 year):

 

Description:

1 April 2022 through 31 March 2023

1 April 2021 through 31 March 2022

1 April 2020 through 31 March 2021 

New complaints

18 24 22

Active on-going investigations

15 6 23

Complaints closed, dismissed, withdrawn, or admonished

15 25

10

(included 3 admonished)

Attorney vs. Attorney complaints

(closed, dismissed, withdrawn or active)

1 3 7

Complaints in abeyance pending outcome of on-going court proceedings

Additionally, 2 complaints were criminally charged awaiting trial relating to complaints. 1 was closed.  

7

(additional 2 criminal charges filed by BPS/DPP)

9
(additional 3 criminal charges filed by BPS/DPP)
8

Inspector appointed Rule 7 of the Barristers (Accounts and Records) Rules 1976

7

(all carried over)  

7
(4 carried over)

4

(4 carried over, 1 closed)

Formal complaints filed by Bar Council with the Bermuda Police Service (evidencing criminal activity)

0  1

3

(2 carried over, 1 new)

Fees Arbitration invites

0

 1

(declined)

0

Tribunals pending/active/completed

(22 pending charges, 4 under panel selection, 7 active tribunal hearings & 2 concluded) 

35

21

(7 active) 

28
Fit & Proper Certificate issued accompanied with warning letters relating to infractions under Bermuda Bar Act 1974 S.10E apply  2 3
Fit & Proper Person Certificate (denied) 

1

(under appeal) 

0

 

The Tribunal Process Explained

Once the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) has made its initial investigation, it determines how best to deal with the complaint.  If minor, the PCC can administer an admonition.  Otherwise, the complaint is referred to a tribunal.  The charges are filed with the Chief Justice. Where a member of the public is the complainant, Bar Council puts forward two active members of the Bar to sit on the tribunal.  When Bar Council is the complainant, the Chief Justice appoints the two members of the Bar to the tribunal.  The tribunal is always chaired by a Supreme Court Judge.  A preliminary hearing is held usually within four to six weeks of receiving the convening notice with the substantial hearing scheduled approximately 6-8 weeks later.  The preliminary hearings are short with the substantial hearings taking anything from a half day to 2 or 3 full days.  The hearings are in private unless the attorney elects to have it dealt with publically.

 

When Bar Council asks members of the Association to sit on a tribunal there is usually a positive response on the part of the member to do so. We have seen more members agreeing to the appointments this year rather than declining. Indeed, it is a privilege to be invited for a panel appointment by the Chief Justice or Bar Council as members who have past, or current infractions recorded against them will not be invited for appointment. ‘Conflict’ has to be considered but simply having a friendly relationship with a colleague who is now a ‘respondent’ is not in itself conflict, otherwise we would be in great difficulty ever forming a tribunal. Additionally, panel members are selected on the basis of similar, or more years of call than the respondent as the respondent is entitled to a jury of his/her peers.

 

 

Public Hearings, Suspensions & Disbarments

On average 3-5 Tribunals are convened each year in this jurisdiction. Please note that only Published Notices appear in this section. In order for a matter to be published, there must be a fine, suspension from practice or disbarment/struck off the Roll imposed.  Of the tribunal hearings held since 1993, the following public notices appeared in the Official Gazette:

 

PUBLIC HEARING AT REQUEST OF RESPONDENT BARRISTER & ATTORNEY

  • Bar Council & CoH against Eugene Johnston (12 May 2016 - 11 December 2018) Respondent requested a public hearing. Resulted in the Respondent found guilty of breaches to the Barristers' Code of Professional Conduct 1981 Rules 4, 6, 73(v), 103 & 108. The Respondent received an admonishment by the Disciplinary Tribunal, with no fine, suspension or costs awarded. Publishing of the Ruling is under consideration by the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

PUBLISHED NOTICES:

Active Suspensions published in the Official Gazette:

  • None active at this time

 

Unable to practice until compliance with order of the Tribunal ruling:

  • Wanda Bowen Ebbin against Braxton Philip (11-Jun-14): Breach of Rules 6(ii), 6 (iv) of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Found guilty of Charges and suspended from practicing conveyancing work for 2 years. Ordered to repay legal fees to complainant in the amount of $9, 266.25 Costs awarded to the Prosecutor in the amount of $2, 500. (fees remain unpaid to complainant and cannot practice)
  • Francine Hodgson against Braxton Philip (5-Dec-13): Breach of Rules 6(ii), 6 (iv) of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Found guilty of Charges. Ordered to repay legal fees to complainant. Costs awarded to the Prosecutor in the amount of $500. (fees remain unpaid to complainant and cannot practice)

 

Completed Suspension/Admonishment/Fines (Published):

  • Roderick Butterfield against Mark Diel (26 July 2022): A Complaint was made against Mark A. C. Diel, Barrister and Attorney, on 28th February 2019 which resulted in the following charge being made against the said Mark A. C. Diel:- Breach of Section 17 of the Bermuda Bar Act 1974 (“the Act”) arising from conduct unbefitting a barrister as referred to in Section 17(1)(d) of the Act and breach of the Barristers' Code of Professional Conduct 1981as referred to in Section 17(1)(c) of the Act, in particular Rules 6(ii), 15 and 103 of the Barristers' Code of Professional Conduct 1981. The particulars of the charge were that Mark A. C. Diel, the Respondent, as the Managing Partner of Marshall Diel & Myers (the "Firm"), which Firm in acting in matrimonial proceedings on behalf of the former wife of Complainant (the "Proceedings") sent correspondence about the Proceedings to the Human Resources Manager at the Complainant's place of employment. Complainant then made a comment on the social media website, "Maj's List Bermuda" on 20th February 2019, where he expressed his displeasure at the Firm sending this correspondence. Four people commented on the Complainant's post. Thereafter, Respondent, identifying himself as the Managing Director of the Firm, posted in response on the same website. The Respondent's posting disclosed details of the Proceedings which were confidential. A Disciplinary Tribunal sat on 4th July 2022 and by its Judgment on 26th July 2022, the charge was determined to be proved and subsequently, on 31st August 2022, the Disciplinary Tribunal ordered an admonishment, imposed a fine of $2,500.00 and costs of $12,500 to be paid by Mark A. C. Diel within seven (7) days of 31st August 2022.

  • Bar Council against William Paul King (14-Apr-16). Mr. King self reported trust account deficit to Bar Council. Tribunal panel found Mr. King guilty of breaching Rules 6(ii) and 33 to 35 of the Barristers’ Code of Professional Conduct 1981. In addition, was found guilty of breach of Rules 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of the Barristers’ (Accounts and Records) Rules 1976. Suspended from practice for 3 years. Costs awarded $1,000.
  • Bar Council & Sharon Swan against Gordon Rick Woolridge Jr: (6 June 2018): On 31st August 2017 Mr. Gordon Rick Woolridge Jr (“Mr. Woolridge”) was charged on a single complaint of improper conduct contrary to section 17 of the Bermuda Bar Act 1974 together with a breach of Rules 6(ii), 102, and 103 of the Barristers’ Professional Code of Conduct 1981. On 6 June 2018 the Tribunal found that the Respondent was guilty of the charge of engaging in improper conduct, contrary to rules 6(ii), 102, and 103 of the Barristers’ Code of Professional Conduct 1981, namely (1) The Respondent failed to file documents or appear in the underlying case for a client which resulted in the client being put through time and expense of a trial, with the Respondent having failed to establish a defence for the client; (2) The Respondent, as an officer of the court, knowingly failed to comply with court orders in relation to making a good a valid and enforceable debt; (3) The Respondent failed to put in place appropriate procedures to service his client in his absence during periods of illness.The Respondent’s Practice Certificate was suspended for thirty (30) days, or subject to liberty to apply, until documents were filed and approved by the Bar Council. Cost were awarded in the amount of $3,000 to the prosecutor payable in monthly enstallments of $500  
  • Bar Council against Kamal Worrell (28 July 2017). The Tribunal found that Mr. Worrell was guilty of the charge of engaging in conduct which was dishonest by falsely stating to the Registrar and the Court of Appeal that his doctor had advised the Respondent to confine himself to bed rest for several days, contrary to rules 6(ii) and 43(iv) of the Barristers’ Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Mr. Worrell is suspended from sole practice for six months from the date of this Order (i.e. from 1st November 2017 until 30th April 2018) and shall only be entitled to practise as an employee of a licensed firm or barrister and attorney, subject to certain conditions with liberty to apply in relation to costs and the implementation of the said conditions. Mr. Worrell is to be Supervised by Senior lawyer for period of 12 months from date of Order provided Mr. Worrell receives confidential waiver from clients for whom he acts and obtains the consent of his employer so as to enable Mr. Worrell to fulfil his obligations under the Supervision Agreement. Costs awarded to Prosecutor in the amount of $2,000 
  • Tauwana Trott against Karen Williams-Smith (29-Nov-13): Breach of Rule 22 and 24 of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Plead guilty to both Charges. Admonished by Tribunal panel and fined $500 payable to the Crown. Cost awarded to the Prosecutor in the amount of $500 
  • Bar Council & Paul Lacy against Llewellyn Peniston (9-Dec-11): Breach of Rules 6(ii), 6 (iii) and 108 of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Found guilty of all three Charges. Practising while suspended, failing to file Barristers Accountants report in timely manner and issuing threats Admonished and suspended from practice for 2 years. No costs sought by Prosecutor.  
  • Bar Council against Takiyah Burgess (18-Sep-09): Breach of Rule 6 (ii) and 62 of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Plead guilty to both Charges. Admonished by the tribunal and fine payable to the Crown in eth amount of $1,000. No cost application sought by Prosecutor.
  • Albert Smith against Llewellyn Peniston (13-Jun-08): Breach of Rule 7 of the Barristers (Accounts and Records) Rules 1976. Suspended from practice for 3 months. Costs awarded to the Prosecutor in the amount of $2, 500 and pay the Inspector which was appointed to review the financial operations of the firm. Mr. Peniston Appealed the decision of the Tribunal and the COA amended the suspension to 30 days.
  • Bar Council against Lawrence Scott (18-Jan-07):  Breach of Rule 2 of the Barristers (Accounts and Records) Rules 1976. Found guilty of charge. Reprimanded by the Tribunal panel. Fined $2, 500 payable to the Crown. No costs order sought.
  • Rhoda Evans against Lawrence Scott (4-Jun-07): Breach of Rules 6(ii), 6 (iv) and 13 of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Found guilty of Charges. Suspended from all practice for a period of 2 years with additional training required in handling client funds. No costs sought. 
  • Mark Koren against Llewellyn Peniston (28-Nov-06): Breach of Rules 4, 6(ii), 6 (iii), 103 and 109 of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Found guilty of Charges. Suspended from practice for 12 months. Costs awarded to the Prosecutor in the amount of $7,500
  • Bar Council against Carlsen Philip (9-Jun-05): Breach of Rule 7(3) of the Barristers (Accounts and Records) Rules 1976. Found guilty of Charge. Suspended from practice for 2 years. No costs sought by Prosecutor.
  • Bar Council against Lawrence Scott (31-Jan-02): Breach of Rules 34 of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981 and Breach of Rules 4, 5 (a) through (e) of the Barristers (Accounts and Records) Rules 1976.  Found guilty of Charges. Suspended from practice for 3 months and ordered to establish a system of accounts which complies with Barristers (Accounts & Records) Rules 1976. No costs sought by Prosecutor.  
  • Bar Council & Appleby Spurling & Kemp against Murray Kierans (7-May-93) Breach of Rules 6(ii) of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Found guilty of Charge. Fine in the amount of $1,500 payable to the Crown. No cost sought by prosecutor.

 

Disbarment/struck off the Roll of Barristers & Attorneys kept by the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Bermuda

  • Irma Burrows against Llewellyn Peniston (8-Dec-11): Disbarred and struck off the Roll of Barristers & Attorneys. Breach of Rule 6(ii) of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. No costs sought by the Prosecutor and no fines imposed.  
  • Bar Council against Robert Martyn (27-Nov-07): Disbarred and struck off the Roll of Barristers & Attorneys. Breach of Rule 6(ii) of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Relied upon criminal conviction. Costs awarded to the Prosecutor in the amount of $2, 500
  • Bar Council against Charles Vaucrosson (6-May-98): Disbarred and struck off the Roll of Barristers & Attorneys. Breach of Rule 6(ii) of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Relied upon criminal conviction. No costs sought by the Prosecutor and no fines imposed.  
  • Bar Council against Lawrence Madeiros (16-Feb-94): Disbarred and struck off the Roll of Barristers & Attorneys. Breach of Rule 47 of the Barristers Code of Professional Conduct 1981. Relied upon criminal conviction. No costs sought by the Prosecutor and no fines imposed.  

The Registrar of the Supreme Court publishes orders that affect the status of a Barrister & Attorney if they are suspended or disbarred. The Chairman of the disciplinary Tribunal will close out the compliant by filing a Chairman’s report which shall remain private.