I have been asked by some Purchaser to list the protections afforded to them when retaining an attorney to assist with the purchase of a property. As such I have compiled a list of the main provisions in the Legal Profession Act of Belize.
IN RELATION TO CLIENTS
Section 22.(1)
An attorney shall always act in the best interest of his client,
represent him honestly, competently and zealously and endeavour by all fair and honourable means to obtain, for him the benefit of any and every remedy and defence which is authorised by law, steadfastly bearing in mind that theduties and responsibilities of the attorney are to be carried out within the bounds
of the law.
(2)
The interests of his client and the exigencies of the administration
of justice should always be the first concern of an attorney and rank before hisright to compensation for his services.
23.(1)
Before advising on a client’s cause an attorney should obtain
full knowledge thereof and give a candid opinion of the merits or demerits andprobable results of pending or contemplated litigation.
(2)
An attorney should beware of proffering bold and confident
assurances to his client (especially where employment may depend on such assurances) always bearing in mind that seldom are all the law and facts on the side of his client.
(3)
Whenever the controversy admits of fair adjustment, an attorney shouldinform his client accordingly and advise him to avoid or settle litigation.
24.
An attorney shall at the time of retainer disclose to his client all the
circumstances of his relations to the parties and his interest in or in connection with the controversy (if any) which might influence the client in his selection of
an attorney.
25.
An attorney shall treat adverse witnesses, litigants, and other attorneys with fairness and courtesy refraining from all offensive personal references and shall avoid imparting to his professional duties his client’s personal feeling and
prejudices
Estevan Perera