COBALT provided pro bono legal representation to the Latvian Council of Sworn Advocates in administrative proceedings appealing a decision of the Latvian Bar Council to refuse admission of a candidate to the sworn advocate examination.
In reaching its decision, the Council assessed the candidate’s reputation, including her long-standing public activities. An assessment was also provided by the State Security Service. The Council unanimously concluded that the candidate did not satisfy the requirement of an irreproachable reputation.
The candidate appealed the Council’s decision before the court. The court dismissed the application, finding that the Council had properly exercised its margin of discretion and had reasonably concluded that the candidate’s reputation could not be regarded as irreproachable.
The judgment highlighted several important findings:
- an irreproachable reputation must be assessed before admission to the profession of sworn advocate;
- the assessment of reputation is not limited to a criminal conviction;
- the values embodied in the advocate’s oath serve as an important benchmark when assessing a candidate’s reputation;
- advocates are expected to demonstrate loyalty to Latvia’s independent, democratic constitutional order and the rule of law, as well as uphold high standards of professional ethics.
The judgment may be appealed to the Administrative Regional Court.
Pro bono legal assistance in the case was provided by COBALT Managing Partner Lauris Liepa and Senior Associate Artūrs Valderšteins.
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