He said the incident highlighted the dangers of using virtual platforms for activities that would usually be conducted in person. The 2020 Bar exams were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The simple fact is that as lawyers, we are absolutely bound to conduct ourselves honourably and honestly, regardless of whether we are operating in a real or a virtual environment and regardless of whether anyone is looking over our shoulder." "Because of the gravity of these responsibilities, they are entrusted only to those who are found capable of discharging them properly and honourably," he said.
Lawyers should strive to set the right example by modelling honourable behaviour so that faith in the moral standards of the profession can be maintained, he said. Turning to gender equality in the profession, Chief Justice Menon also highlighted recent cases of female lawyers being abused or molested by male colleagues., who was struck off the roll for physically and verbally abusing three female employees in 2018. Seow also faces criminal charges.