Standard of lawyers in the Family Court

In the course of a long, interesting and erudite address on a wide range of issues impacting the family and family law, the Chief Justice made two references, virtually the only two which were given prominence in The Times' report (March 13), that the Chamber of Advocates would like to address.

The Chief Justice made the suggestion that a special warrant to practise in the Family Court might profitably be introduced, with a pre-requisite to such a warrant being granted being that the advocate concerned would have undergone specialised training in mediation.

The Chamber is not averse to on-going training and, indeed (as the Chief Justice recognised in the course of his unreported remarks), is highly active in providing same to the profession.

However, as a matter of principle, the Chamber would resist the introduction of sectoral licences to practise by whatever name they are called, though it would welcome and support any initiative that would strengthen the process of mediation.

Insofar as concerns the reference made by the Chief Justice to "insensitive lawyers", it is a pity that his earlier high praise for members of the profession that carry out their duties with sensitivity and respect for all parties concerned with family strife went unreported. The Chamber is aware that within the profession there are individuals who do not achieve the high standards that their colleagues expect of them, as there are in every profession and walk of life.

In fact, the Chamber seeks to enforce these standards with the means that it has at its disposal, means that are certainly more effective when the behaviour of advocates is being censured than is the case in other areas not unconnected with the law.