No excuse for lawyers who exploit migrant workers

I refer to the report “Unscrupulous lawyers targeting migrant workers, say NGOs” (Dec 19). In any profession in any industry, trust is a key element. It must be established between employers and employees and between clients and service providers.

Law is a specialised field and not everybody is able to know much about the way the legal world functions. Lawyers require that their clients trust them as much as possible. A lawyer is, to his client, the sole gatekeeper of legal dealings.

On the other hand, migrant workers come to Singapore and work hard to provide food and shelter for their families. Their salary is the most basic among all professions and barely enough to allow them to survive.

However, there may be individuals who, understanding the conditions of these workers, still try to exploit them for financial gain. It would be disappointing if, in an educated society like ours, there are lawyers targeting those who are vulnerable.

This would go against the professional code of conduct of a legal adviser, and tarnish the reputation and integrity of other lawyers as service providers worthy of their clients’ trust.

In the area of tort, specifically negligence, a lawyer owes a duty of care to his client. To exploit clients, especially these migrant workers, is a breach of care, and with other criteria fulfilled, the lawyer can be held liable in court.

If proven true, then it only shows that the lawyer’s values have been corrupted to the extent of putting money, not his clients, first. There is no valid excuse when a lawyer abuses his clients’ trust.

As the Law Society spokesperson said, though, “blanket allegations” should not be made. Valid evidence must be presented before we can say that one is guilty; it is only fair that the burden of proof lies on the accusers. If there are such individuals out there, let them be brought to justice.

On another note, I am heartened that steps have been taken to help migrant workers in the area of law through legal clinics to ensure they can have peace of mind working here, knowing that legal support is available should it be required.

Migrant workers are part of the backbone of our country. They help us build our homes and clean our roads, among other essentials for the functioning of our society.

We should do our best to ensure they are respected and treated fairly. Our society owes them a sense of gratitude for their services.