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The Bermuda Bar Association is the governing body for the legal profession in Bermuda. It was incorporated by the Bermuda Bar Act of 1974. The Association is responsible for both the regulation and discipline of members of the legal profession in Bermuda.

 

The term Barrister used throughout this site unless otherwise specified refers to a Barrister & Attorney admitted as such to the Bermuda Bar pursuant to Section 51 & 52 of the Supreme Court Act 1905 with his/her name entered onto the Roll of the Court kept by the Registrar of the Supreme Court pursuant to s. 54(1) of the Supreme Court Act 1905.

 

The legal profession in Bermuda is fused in that it is not divided and does not differentiate between Barristers & Attorneys. Both have full rights of audience in this jurisdiction.

 

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. 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. Finally, the Bar Association makes representations on matters of legal concern on behalf of the profession. Bar Council is made up of nine elected members who are chosen annually, as well as the Attorney General, ex officio. The Bar Council members can be found on the Members of the Council page.

 

General responsibilities of the Bar Council include the following (as laid out in Section 4 of the Bermuda Bar Act):

  • the maintenance of the honour and independence of the bar
  • the encouragement of legal education and the study of law
  • the support of the public right of access to the courts and of the right of representation by members of the Bar
  • the encouragement of improvements in the administration of justice and procedure
  • the promotion and support of law reform
  • the furtherance of good relations between the Bar Association and lawyers of other countries
  • the issuing, revocation and suspension of practising certificates and such other matters of professional concern to barristers

All members of the Bar are bound by the Barristers' Code of Conduct (1981), which requires that members carry out their duties to their clients, the Court, members of the public and their colleagues with integrity and in accordance with the Code of professional conduct . Further, they are required to conduct themselves within or outside the professional sphere in a manner which will not be likely to impair a client’s trust in them as a legal advisor. Click here for information on the qualifications and procedure for admission to Bermuda Bar.

 

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