New Chamber of Advocates committee elected

“The three main priorities for the Chamber of Advocates throughout the next new three-year term will be to make the Chamber more relevant to all practioners; supporting government to strengthen our country’s democratic credentials and to intensify our efforts to see the enactment of the much-needed Lawyers’ Act.”

This was stated by Dr George Hyzler as he was re-confirmed president of the Chamber of Advocates for a three-year term, together with a newly formed Council for 2017-2020.

Dr Vincent Galea was confirmed vice president, Dr Stefan Camil- leri secretary general, Dr Louis Bianchi financial officer, Dr Louis de Gabriele as External Relations officer, Dr Robert Thake as Education officer, Dr Mario V. Spiteri as Ethics officer and Dr Karl Briffa, Dr Leslie Cuschieri, Dr Jesmond Manicaro, Dr Anna Mifsud Bonnici and Dr Steve Tonna Lowell as members.

“Our main aim will be to make the Chamber more relevant to all members of the legal profession, whether members or not, whether practicing in court or otherwise. While affirming our strength as a regulatory body to ensure that the profession continues to evolve in a professional manner and that complaints involving lawyers are dealt with more efficiently, we will seek to be more present at a national level in those sectors that require our input and where it is felt that our contribution could be of benefit to the community,” comments Dr Hyzler.

Dr Hyzler noted how the issue of public confidence and the proper functioning of the institutions is one such area where the Chamber will be expecting more consultation and in which the Chamber can support government in its efforts to strengthen our country’s democratic credentials.

“On another level, we certainly intend to intensify our efforts to persuade government and all concerned about the importance of introducing a law to regulate the legal profession. A Lawyer’s Act will modernise the profession; will widen the limits of our activities and align our profession with that of any other modern properly functioning democracy,” concluded Dr Hyzler.

The new committee has been elected under the revised statute that was approved and came into force in January of this year. The committee has immediately set itself the ambitious task of redefining the role of the Chamber of Advocates as its top priority.