his theft conviction was discussed by the Bermuda Bar Council.

And it is understood his Hamilton law firm has been closed.

Last night, Bermuda Bar Council members declined to comment on the outcome of Thursday's meeting.

"All I can say is that we considered the matter and are taking the steps we consider appropriate,'' said Bar Council president Ms Elizabeth Jones.

She said the Bar Council -- the executive body of the Bar Association -- was forbidden by law from commenting on who may or may not be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Vaucrosson will be sentenced on January 10, 1996, for stealing $393,782.58 from the beneficiaries of the late Percy Ball's trust fund.

Vaucrosson's lawyers plan to appeal his conviction.

Bar Council vice-president Mr. Narinder Hargun said a lawyer convicted of an offence was not automatically disbarred.

He explained any moves to disbar a lawyer would start with a complaint by the Bar Council, which would be considered by a Disciplinary Tribunal appointed by the Chief Justice. "It can be a long process,'' he said.

Mr. Hargun added a disbarment would be published in the Official Gazette.

The last prominent lawyer to be struck off the Roll of Barristers was Mr.

Larry Madeiros after he was given a three-year prison sentence in 1993 for a major financial fraud.

A court heard Mr. Madeiros had stolen $506,000 from one of his clients, spending most of the money on trips, gambling and jewellery.

It is not known how long it took a Disciplinary Committee of the Bermuda Bar Council to disbar him, but the expulsion was not published until February, 1994.