Tired of summoning up smiles for endless lawyer jokes, Mrs. Diana Kempe Q.C.

yesterday came out in defence of her profession.

In a speech to the Hamilton Rotary Club, the first woman and first Bermudian Secretary-General of the International Bar Association, Mrs. Kempe pointed out lawyers were do-gooders too.

"The legal profession has the reputation of a profession that is least respected by the general public,'' she joked. "It's a heavy burden to smile at anti-lawyer jokes.'' Mrs. Kempe, who was appointed to the post in October, lauded the association's good work carried out internationally in providing free legal advice to undeveloped countries and budding democracies.

The not-for-profit organisation was founded in New York State in 1947. It now counts 2.5 million attorneys among its members, making it the largest and most active of bar associations in the world, Mrs. Kempe said.

Among them is the Bermuda Bar Association of which 49 members are also members of the IBA -- the highest percentage of any other bar association.

"Its objectives are to support the role of law, the independence of the judiciary, to defend lawyers' freedom to practise without interference and the international exchange of ideas,'' she said.

Members of the IBA give free advice to developing countries on how to organise bar associations, run a law office or organise continuing legal education.

"They talk to attorneys in new East European countries where there are gaps in law such as company law,'' Mrs. Kempe said. "We help them move to a new concept of law.'' Seminars are held all over the world -- in Jordan, Equador, Belgium, France and India.

In South Africa, IBA volunteers hold continuing legal education programmes for attorneys, helping them become more knowledgeable and efficient in running their practices.

A twinning programme links developed countries with undeveloped countries to share information and advice.

The IBA also plays an active role in the protection of human rights, Mrs.

Kempe said.

Members write letters to protest murdered lawyers, monitor and report on trials and research judiciaries where trials fall short of international standards. Formal meetings are then arranged to change the law where appropriate, Mrs. Kempe said.

"I am pleased to be able to give back internationally. It has enabled me to spend time with bar leaders in many jurisdictions, some who don't have fax machines. It makes me realise how lucky we are,'' she said.

Mrs. Kempe said the five annual IBA seminars on the globalisation of mutual funds held on the Island had done "nothing but good for Bermuda.'' "Bermuda cannot afford not to get competitive,'' she said. "It is a very important message for all businesses in Bermuda and especially applies to attorneys competing with professionals all over the world.'' Mrs. Kempe said interaction with lawyers from other countries kept her on the "leading edge'' of law.

She said IBA members benefit from specialist committees that cover every aspect of the law and provide continuing legal education.

"It gives us the opportunity to do what we cannot do in Bermuda -- to talk with people and to hear what is going on in law,'' Mrs. Kempe said.

She added the association created a huge professional fraternity where genuine friendships were formed regardless of race, creed or political persuasion.