In a significant move toward judicial reform, Dominica’s Attorney General Levi Peter has announced the forthcoming introduction of comprehensive legislation governing the legal profession. The draft Legal Profession Bill is scheduled to be presented before the House of Assembly by the conclusion of the first quarter of 2026.
The announcement came during Monday’s ceremonial opening of the new law year at the State House Conference Centre, where Peter emphasized the critical need for regulatory overhaul. “A robust and effective justice system fundamentally depends on a disciplined, ethical, and accountable legal profession,” Peter stated. “It is deeply regrettable that cases of professional misconduct and, in certain instances, blatant dishonesty have persistently eroded public trust and damaged the standing of this esteemed vocation.”
Peter acknowledged that Dominica’s pursuit of comprehensive legal professional legislation has experienced prolonged delays, frequently sidelined by competing governmental priorities and limited resources. This legislative gap has persisted despite longstanding recognition of its necessity.
The Attorney General confirmed that the draft legislation is now receiving concentrated attention and thorough examination. The development process incorporates substantive recommendations from the Dominica Bar Association, ensuring stakeholder input in shaping the new regulatory framework.
The proposed legislation aims to achieve three primary objectives: modernization of professional regulatory standards, enhancement of disciplinary procedures, and alignment with regional best practices within the Caribbean legal community. This initiative represents the most substantial update to legal profession governance in Dominica’s recent history.