NEWLY-called attorneys have been urged to do their part to help restore the public’s confidence in the justice system.
They were told the ability to practice was not a right or entitlement but a privilege.
The advice to the new attorneys came from Chief Justice Ivor Archie and Justice Westmin James at the Call to the Bar ceremony at the Hall of Justice on Thursday.
There was another Call to the Bar ceremony on Friday.
In his address to the 79 new attorneys on Thursday, Archie told them their “journey now start.”
“From tomorrow, having paid your practising fee can go out and give legal advice. But always remember, no matter how bright you think you are, you are just practising. In due course, with diligence and hopefully a good dose of humility, you may go beyond advice to give good counsel, and your seniors would tell you there is a difference.”
He added, “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.”
Archie told them their duty was to be “unscrupulously honest” with the court and their clients’ affairs.
“It must never be about you, your ego or a desire to win no matter what.”
James advised the new attorneys, as Generation Z attorneys, to use their assets to bring a fresh perspective to the profession.
“Your generation faces a fair share of criticism. Your generation is considered to have short attention spans, addicted to technology, unable to handle criticism, and 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 savviness and help the profession to streamline processes, enhance communication and adapt to the ever-evolving technological tools such as AI.”
He also advised, “Weave your own tapestry and always acknowledge those who were there for you,” and urged them to use their entrepreneurial spirit for legal problem-solving as this could open alternative career paths in the field.
[caption id="attachment_1047141" align="alignnone" width="1024"] THIRD GENERATION ATTORNEY: Alexander Roshan Dolsingh became a third-generation attorney on Thursday. He is the nephew of the late Rangee Dolsingh, SC, a former deputy director of public prosecutions and son of attorney Bindra Dolsingh. His grandfather was also an attorney.From left, Bindra Dolsingh, Alexander Roshan Dolsingh, Seeta Dolsingh (mother) and sister Tamara Dolsingh who is also an attorney, at the Hall of Justice, Port of Spain. - Photo by Jada Loutoo[/caption]
James also emphasised the importance of adopting a broader international perspective to their legal work.
“Impact the world positively,” he said as he called on them to do their part to restore confidence in
