The Bar Association is tightening up on lawyers conduct in a bid to keep off the international watch dogs intent on unearthing money laundering.

However Bar Association President Trevor Moniz admitted one lawyer faces a Supreme Court trial after being accused of plundering client funds.

Mr. Moniz said a professional conduct committee, chaired by Narinder Hargun, had been busy over the last few months to tighten up on processing of disciplinary complaints to maintain the standard of self-regulation of the bar.

He said: “This is particularly important now with all the new initiatives ranging from money laundering to trust regulation and generally the new ‘know your client' requirements being run through the Ministry of Finance and the Bermuda Monetary Authority."

Referring to lawyer Larry Scott he said: “We have recently had a disciplinary hearing and we had a member who was suspended for a period of three months who is now back in good standing.

“However we do have ongoing complaints and investigations, inquiries, tribunals,” Mr. Moniz continued. “Unfortunately we do presently have a member who stands accused of serious indictable offences of theft from a client. Thus it can be seen by all that it is necessary for us to redouble our efforts to enforce a high standard of ethics at the Bar to maintain the public reputation of the profession in trying times.”

Mr. Hargun added: “We have rules dealing with how you account for and deal with client's money. You have to produce a report saying you have proper trust accounts and you are keeping your client's money separate from your own money.

“The great temptation is when you get short of cash is to put your hand in the cookie jar.”