September 2008

Reports of ethics violations by attorneys in Kosovo have increased dramatically in less than a year, yet—thanks to the new disciplinary system—the Kosovo Chamber of Advocates (KCA) has been efficient in resolving these cases. The recently-implemented ethics code and disciplinary system for attorneys and non-professional members of the legal community have increased the ability of the public to report abuses and the KCA’s ability to effectively investigate and respond to those accusations. The ABA Rule of Law Initiative’s legal specialists and other staff helped to draft the ethics code and to create the disciplinary system, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development.

According to Naser Peci, chairman of the KCA’s client relation committee, disciplinary cases typically fall into three categories: a) charging inappropriate fees for representation; b) inappropriate court behavior by attorneys; and c) felonious conduct. Peci reports the committee has received 42 cases since the system was implemented less than a year ago. Of those cases, 40 have been completed or are in the final phases, with five having been sent to the disciplinary committee after cause was found to proceed. The disciplinary committee discharged one case and suspended four others due to ongoing criminal procedures.

“We believe that efficiency and transparency in resolving disciplinary cases will help increase the public’s confidence in the profession,” says Peci, underscoring the KCA’s commitment to aggressively monitoring the ethical and professional conduct of their members while contributing to the improved image of attorneys in Kosovo.

For more information about ABA ROLI’s work in Kosovo, please contact David Sip at <office@ceeliekosovo.org>.