Source : The Straits Times, Forum, Aug 30, 2007
THE Law Society refers to the letter by Mr Heng Cho Choon, 'Law Society should pay clients of errant lawyers' (ST, Aug 25).
Mr Heng referred to compensation funds established by overseas law associations to compensate clients who suffered loss owing to the dishonesty of a lawyer.
We wish to point out to Mr Heng that the Law Society of Singapore has a compensation fund, which was established in 1967.
Information on our Compensation Fund is provided on the society's website which Mr Heng visited.
Under the scheme, any person who has suffered loss due to the dishonesty of a lawyer or his employee in connection with his practice of law may apply to the society for a grant under the Compensation Fund.
Every lawyer with a practising certificate contributes annually to the Compensation Fund.
Since June 2004, the society has carried out inspections of clients' accounts when appropriate, and will continue to do so.
In addition, every year all law practices that hold clients' monies must submit an accountant's report to the society. This accountant's report will highlight any shortcomings in accounting practices.
The incident of a lawyer allegedly absconding with $68,000 of clients' money is indeed deeply regrettable. Investigations are under way concerning this incident.
Misappropriation of clients' money results in the errant solicitor being struck off.
No less than any responsible legal profession anywhere else, we are rigorous in prosecuting misconduct.
Philip Jeyaretnam
President
The Law Society of Singapore
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