Chief Justice Ivor Archie is urging this country’s latest batch of attorneys-at-law to remember the law and that their duty goes beyond self, their ego and their desire to win. Addressing 79 lawyers yesterday during the Call to the Bar ceremony at the Hall of Justice, Archie underscored the importance of the moment telling them that henceforth they have the responsibility and privilege to dispense legal advice.
“But always remember, no matter how bright you think you are, you are just practicing, in due course with diligence and hopefully with a good dose of humility you may go beyond advice to give good counsel. And your seniors would tell you there is a difference,” Archie said, addressing the newly minted attorneys and their family members.
“I began to study law over 40 years ago, most of you were not born, and I still consider myself a student of the law. Remember also that the ability to practice in these courts is not a right or entitlement. It is a privilege, that is why you petitioned for it. And you have to be deemed suitable. And it is a privilege that may be forfeited,” the Chief Justice warned.
The Chief Justice also sought to remind them that being an attorney-at-law is not only an honour but a duty to be ethical.
“With it comes great responsibility and the duty to be unscrupulously honest with the court and with your clients’ affairs. It must never be about you, your ego or a desire to win no matter what. I do not mean to cast a sombre note on this joyful day, but this is a solemn occasion, and it would be remiss of me to send you away without that admonishing,” Archie said.
Giving the feature address was Justice Westmin James who told the new attorneys-at-law to brace for instances where their youth will be used against them.
“Your generation is considered to have short attention spans, addicted to technology, unable to handle criticism, maybe even lazy. However, like generations before you. Your generation will bring its own fresh perspective and unique set of skills and attributes to the legal profession. Your innate affiliation with technology can be a significant asset to the landscape, which is increasingly digitised. As a Generation Z attorney, leverage this tech savvyness and help the profession to streamline processes, enhance communication and adapt to the ever-evolving technological tool such as AI,” Justice James advised.
He too echoed the value of bringing honour to a sector that faces criticism and a lack of trust from the public.
“When the public repeatedly sees the justice system fail, the people’s confidence in the law will further decline. We must fix it and you as the bar’s newest members are the key to doing so.
“Today I challenge you to help restore that confidence to our profession and our justice system. You are faced with a hybrid world. Virtual court proceedings occasionally limit your interactions with senior attorneys, affecting your opportunities to learn from them. Combating these challenges requires proactive and additional efforts on your part,” the judge said.
Seventy-five more attorneys-at-law are expected to be called to the bar today.
