Rogue lawyers face suspension

Lawyers in Jersey could be stripped of their right to practise if a new disciplinary system is approved.

At the moment, the Bationner, who administers the legal aid system, looks at complaints concerning advocates, and the president of the Chamber d'Ecrivain deals with disciplinary matters concerning solicitors.

But they can only rebuke the lawyer concerned or refer him or her to the Royal Court.

Punishments could be more severe if a new complaints system is approved by politicians.

A disciplinary committee - a mix of lawyers and those not involved with the legal profession - will examine complaints referred by the president of the Law Society.

If the complaint is upheld, the committee could issue a public reprimand or private rebuke, or may even refer it to the attorney general, who could pass it to the Royal Court.

And the court could fine or suspend a lawyer, or ultimately remove them from the roll of advocates and solicitors, preventing them from practising.