Council Updates

Survey on Lawyers Leaving Practice

Mr Naresh Mahtani, CEO, reported that the Survey Forms, to be sent to lawyers who are leaving practice as well as to managing partners of all law firms, are being finalised. The forms will be sent out shortly.

'Friends of the Law Society'

Council noted that the Law Society should acknowledge the contributions of legal officers and other persons in the legal profession who are not members of the Law Society, but who nevertheless serve the Law Society and its members by participating in the Law Society's Committees and assisting in events organised by the Law Society.

It was decided that such persons will be appointed 'Friends of the Law Society' by the Council. They will be presented with a plaque or award of appreciation at the Law Society's Annual Dinner and Dance.

The Chairpersons of all committees of the Law Society will be invited to nominate candidates for the award.

Honorary Members of the Law Society

Mr Palakrishnan, SC, President, reported that he has written to Professor Tommy Koh, informing him that he will be appointed an Honorary Member of the Law Society.

Multi-Disciplinary Practices ('MDPs')

Mr Naresh Mahtani reported that, to follow up from the feedback received at the Law Society's Dialogue Session on MDPs earlier this year, the Law Society's MDP Committee will be finalising their report shortly, for circulation to the Council and thereafter to the Chief Justice and Attorney General.

Presidents of Law Associations ('POLA') Conference 2001

Council noted that this year's POLA Conference will take place in Christchurch, New Zealand, from 7 to 9 October 2001. The theme for this year's conference is: 'Moving Towards a Uniform Code of Conduct for the Legal Profession'.

The following Council Members were appointed to represent the Law Society at the Conference:

• Mr Palakrishnan, SC, President;
• Mrs Arfat Selvam, Vice President;
• Mr Goh Phai Cheng, SC, Vice President; and
• Mr Siva Murugaiyan, ExCo Member.