Barristers have been asked to give their views on new legislation which will allow the incorporation of law firms.

A draft copy of amendments to the Bermuda Bar Act 1974 which would allow non-Bermudian attorneys to become partners in law firms has been issued by Attorney General Kim Wilson.

She has asked for feedback on the changes from Bermuda Bar Association, the governing body for lawyers, before the end of this week.

The draft legislation was sent out just days after a new law allowing bankrupt lawyers to practise on the Island was passed.

Critics of the new law claimed lawyers were being asked to support it in exchange for the amendments involving incorporation.

Former Attorney General Philip Perinchief described it as a "carrot and stick" approach. And Deputy Opposition Leader Trevor Moniz said some law firms were keen to incorporate so their non-Bermudian attorneys could become partners.

"It appears to me, in my view, to be a very incorrect quid pro quo," he said.

Mr. Moniz said this week: "I guess the appearance of a quid pro quo is just fortuitous. The bankrupt lawyer provision passed the Senate on Friday, December 19 and we receive this on Monday, December 22."