Be tough with 'rouges'
NST 18/08/2006

ROGER TAN’s comments on the Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill 2006 ("A matter of protecting public interest" — NST, Aug 17) is relevant in the protection of house buyers against rogue lawyers.

For purchasers, buying a house is a once-in-a-lifetime transaction.

Going to a lawyer to prepare and complete the documentation and transfer of title is a necessity, and a layman relies on the honesty and competence of the lawyer to ensure that he will have title to the property and that the purchase money will be paid to the vendor.

If the lawyer who is entrusted with our faith and money is errant, the layman will suffer stress, heartache and financial loss.

Sadly, this has happened to a substantial number of house purchasers before and without concrete action by the Bar, it will continue to happen.

Prevention is always better than cure and the Bar should set an example of being tough on errant members as a deterrent to others.

We read from the article that it takes a long time for complaints to be heard and resolved. The lawyers should remember that for house purchasers to wait so long for justice is an agonising affair.

While waiting for the wheels of justice to turn, who will pay the monthly instalments or the rental?

Chang Kim Loong, Hon. Secretary-General,
National House Buyers Association