Are Lawyers Migrating from Public to Private Practice Due to Low-Wages?

Anthony Sylvestre

Last night, we told you about a meeting that the Attorney General, Anthony Sylvestre, called with legal officers in the public service, to discuss an outstanding salary adjustment. The atmosphere outside of the venue, upon conclusion of the meeting, was one of disappointment and frustration over the continued delay. On the other hand, AG Sylvestre informed us that everyone is on the same page. But, News Five understands than an even greater unease exists among legal officers over the migration of lawyers from public to private practice due to low-wages. We asked AG Sylvestre how great of a concern this is to his ministry. Here is how he responded.

Anthony Sylvestre, Attorney General

“I would not necessarily characterize it as such. Lawyers always leave the public service. I started working in the public service as a crown counsel. I left the public service and still provided some level of service to the public in my private practice. I don’t think that it should be seen as leaving the public service and going to private sector. I think it is a matter of an individual attorney, what he or she believes is the best way they could develop their skills and similarly contribute to the legal jurisprudence and the development of Belize. So, I don’t think it is a one size fits all, I think it is an individual choice and I wouldn’t say that is something taking place in any large volume as your question suggests.”

Paul Lopez

“But you would agree that some are leaving as a result.”

Anthony Sylvestre

“Not necessarily. Some people leave because they are opportunities not necessarily in terms of remuneration but it could be in terms of what particular area they may wish to venture in. Somebody who might be working at the DPP office might say ok I want to vary into civil litigation. That may lead them to the choice to go private. So, it is not necessarily that it is mainly because of remuneration.”