Lawyers today stand at a critical intersection of ethical responsibility, public obligation, and civic perception. While professional codes of conduct define a lawyer’s duty to their client, increasingly complex public law obligations—such as anti-money laundering laws and tax compliance regimes—demand transparency, accountability, and sometimes even disclosure that may seem at odds with client confidentiality. Meanwhile, public discourse can paint lawyers as enablers of systemic issues, creating further tension between the profession and the society it serves.

This panel brings together leaders from bar associations, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and academics from around the world to explore how the legal profession can maintain integrity and independence while addressing growing external demands and societal scepticism. How can bars uphold core legal principles while responding to the mandates of bodies like the FATF, UN, and OECD? Should ethical training be continuous and mandatory throughout a lawyer’s career? And what can bars do to engage more effectively in civic education, correct misconceptions, and build constructive dialogues with regulators and the public?

Join us for a solutions-focused discussion on the evolving role of the lawyer—and the role bar associations must play in safeguarding the rule of law, fostering trust, and preparing the profession for the challenges ahead.