Information BAR Information

[BAR Association of Redmont]

The Bar Association of Redmont (BAR) is an independent government entity that acts as an association representing members of the legal profession. The BAR is officially established in the Bar Association of Redmont Act. Every person with a legal qualification is a member of the BAR. Members of the BAR are, in addition, bound by ethical standards — set out in the BAR Code of Conduct. The BAR is given some powers, such as the censure, to coerce members into adhering to the Code of Conduct. The BAR is also given powers to advance its other duties to further develop lawyers and the legal profession.

The legal ranks, all of which are a part of the BAR, include the following:

1. Solicitor, who may practice in the District Court of Redmont in any matter;
2. Barrister, who may practice in the Federal Court of Redmont in their specialization; and
3. Attorney, who may practice in any Court of Redmont, including the Supreme Court of Redmont;

The BAR is headed by an elected council of five Attorneys. One of these councilors is chosen as Chairperson, who serves as a first among equals and as a spokesperson for the BAR. A minimum quorum of three is required for any decision of the Council. Additionally, a motion must meet at least a simple majority to pass. The Council has the following duties:

1. Advising the government on matters pertaining to lawyers, including:
   • The rights and working conditions of these lawyers;
   • Proposed changes to laws affecting legal practice;
   • The adequacy of the legal education and examinations; and
   • Any other matter relevant to the health of the legal profession.
2. Provide resources to further the careers and development of lawyers;
3. Ensuring the quality and ethical conduct of lawyers;
4. Overseeing the content of legal examinations; and
5. Changing BAR policy through motions;

In order to execute these duties, the BAR shall have the following powers:

1. Create, amend, or repeal rules and guidelines on the legal profession;
2. Investigate members of the BAR for violations of ethical, professional, or legal standards;
3. Impose sanctions on BAR members;
4. Set internal procedures of the BAR; and
5. Exercise all other powers necessary or incidental to the proper functioning of the BAR;

Decisions of the Council must be published publicly, with the exception of private motions. Councilors have an obligation to act in the best interest of the BAR and lawyers, minimize political campaigning, approach matters with objectivity, and to maintain civility with other councilors.

In ensuring the quality of the legal field, the BAR is given certain disciplinary powers. Following an internal investigation, should a lawyer be found to have severely departed from the standards set out in the Code of Conduct, the BAR may issue a private warning, a public censure, or begin disbarment proceedings. While the Council has unilateral power to issue private warnings or censures, disbarment must go through a trial in the Federal Court of Redmont. In this trial, the BAR has the burden of proving a violation of BAR standards, while the Defendant has the right to respond to evidence and convince the court of their innocence.