Lawyers have ethical obligations to their clients, generally spelled out in professional codes of conduct. Society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) (such as the UN and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)), however, often portray lawyers as ‘enablers’ or part of the problem, accusing them of using fundamental principles such as attorney-client confidentiality to cloak their client’s illicit (if not illegal) activities, and facilitate corrupt practices. 

Bar associations often engage in civic education and other programming to allay misperceptions, but on occasion the regulation of lawyers becomes the subject of government control, jeopardising the independence of the bar and the judiciary. The panel will discuss practical solutions that bars have found to maintain the balance, including the types of training and regulations that can be put in place to help minimise risks to the profession.