Complaints against lawyers increased in 2022

The number of complaints made against attorneys that were submitted to and reviewed by the Disciplinary Council of the Cyprus Bar Association increased. The number of complaints reached 165 in 2022, a record high since 2009. According to official data made public between 2009 and February 2023, 1785 complaints were filed. Complaints show an increasing trend in the years 2020, 2021, and 2023, which could be related to Golden Passport cases. However, according to official data, 957 complaints were received out of the 1785 complaints heard by the Disciplinary Board.

Convictions

The Disciplinary Council of Lawyers convicted 24 people based on the complaints it investigated. Twelve of them received fines, two received reprimands, four were disbarred, and the remaining six had their names removed from the Register. In 20 cases, the offenders were declared not guilty by the Disciplinary Board. The investigation of 258 complaints is still ongoing.

Ex-officio cases
There were 162 ex officio complaints filed; 181 were withdrawn by the complainant, and 442 were dismissed at the preliminary examination stage. The investigation was halted in 15 cases because one of the parties died.

[This article was translated from its Greek original]