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Opening of Legal Year 2018

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The Opening of the Legal Year 2018 took place on 28th September 2018. The day started with the Red Mass presided over by His Lordship Bishop Zammit followed by the ceremonial opening at the Supreme Court of Gibraltar, after which the Bar Lunch was held at the Rock Hotel. Attendance at the events included a spread of practising and retired local practitioners and judiciary, Gibraltar’s Justices of Appeal and the most distinguished guest of Lord Lloyd Jones, a Justice of the United Kingdom Supreme Court and Gibraltar’s Privy Council.

The ceremonial opening of the legal year was presided over by Chief Justice Dudley in the presence of Sir Maurice Kay President of the Court of Appeal. Speeches were delivered by the Chief Justice, Attorney General Michael Llamas QC and the Chairman of the Bar Council, David Dumas QC.

In his speech the Chairman reported on the work being undertaken implementation of the Legal Services Act whilst underscoring the huge significance of this piece of legislation, reforming as it does the delivery of legal services and the regulation of the legal profession. He also mentioned that the final text of the new Code of Conduct for Gibraltar’s fused legal profession was now with the Chief Justice ready to be implemented as the Act comes into force. Also mentioned were the coming into force of the new legal assistance legislation, the creation of the Duty Solicitor Scheme, the introduction of a Damages Bill and representations to be made to the Chief Justice regarding hourly rates for summary assessment and court. With the implementation of the Legal Services Act now actively being planned, the Bar Council will be replaced by the newly-constituted Law Council and therefore the Chairman’s speech was very likely to be the last to be given by the Chairman of the Bar Council.

Please click here to download David Dumas’ speech.

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Council quarterly, issue 2: winter 2016

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The Council is pleased to release the second issue of the Council Quarterly newsletter. This winter's newsletter features discussion on a number of topics inclusive of the opening of the Legal Year, the 2016 QC competition, discussion of the developments of the Legal Services Bill, innovation in Gibraltar, Case Reports and more.

Please click here for the Council Quarterly Issue 2 – Winter 2016 .

The first inaugural issue may be accessed here.

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Opening of the Legal Year 2016

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Chairman of the Bar Keith Azopardi QC made clear that the Council’s aspirations to see a comprehensive new law on the regulation of legal services remains on track and has dominated the work of the Council over the last 12 months. The Council hopes that a Bill could be presented to Parliament in early 2017. Mr Azopardi also indicated that work on a draft Code of Conduct is very advanced and that this is expected to go to consultation in coming months.

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Legal services bill consultation

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The Bar Council was delighted to welcome the launch of the formal consultation into the Legal Services Bill this Summer. The consultation process concluded on 21 September 2016. The Council will now be considering the various representations made in conjunction with the Government and Judiciary and will be working on the next phase of this important review of regulatory legislation.

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Opening of the legal year

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The Opening of the Legal Year 2016 is scheduled for 14 October 2016. As is usual there will be speeches from the Judiciary, Attorney General and the Bar. The Chairman’s speech at the OLY will be uploaded after the event.

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Council quarterly launched

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The Council has launched a Quarterly electronic newsletter which will serve as a way of updating members on events of relevance to persons providing legal services in Gibraltar. The first Issue is available here and archive issues here.

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Council elections 2016

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At the AGM held in April 2016 the Chairman was re-elected and a number of new members joined the Council. Guy Stagnetto stood down after 22 years’ service on the Council and was thanked for his long-standing contribution. David Dumas was re-elected Vice Chairman and Ken Navas Treasurer. The current composition of the Council is here.