Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow presided over the enrollment of 27 new lawyers entering the legal field. The Chief Justice welcomed the new additions, recognizing their hard work and commitment with the support of their families. He emphasized the importance of remaining diligent and steadfast in their legal careers.
He advised them to go beyond classroom learning and dedicate themselves to continuous research and personal growth. As officers of the court, he reminded them of their duty to assist the court and uphold its integrity, rather than misleading it.
The Chief Justice emphasized that true dedication, hard work, justice, adherence to the rule of law, and honesty are the qualities that define a good legal practitioner. He informed the gathering that with this batch of new lawyers, the total number of lawyers in the country now stands at 554. However, he acknowledged that not all of them are actively practicing law due to various reasons.
He stressed the importance of the private Bar and also advised them to refrain from sole practice, as it can negatively impact the court when lawyers take on cases but are unable to attend due to conflicting commitments. He expressed gratitude to the president of the law school and extended a warm welcome to the new lawyers at the Bar.
Salieu Taal, the president of the Bar Association, also greeted the new lawyers and advised them to uphold the principles of the legal profession. He highlighted the significance of respecting the rule of law as the foundation of their work. He emphasized that their actions would have far-reaching consequences and reminded them of the code of conduct outlined in Section 8 of the Legal Practice Act.
Taal encouraged them to seek guidance from experienced professionals whenever needed and emphasized the importance of showing respect to the court, even in times of disagreement. He reminded them to be cautious when using social media in this digital era.
The Solicitor General welcomed the new legal practitioners, emphasizing the values of integrity, respect, and good manners required in the profession. He advised them to carry out their duties with respect and professionalism, maintaining decorum at all times. He cautioned against engaging in disrespectful behavior on social media or discussing ongoing court cases, as well as abstaining from discussing matters in which they are personally involved. He urged them to familiarize themselves with the code of conduct outlined in the Legal Practitioner Act.
He emphasized that they should not take advantage of their client’s trust in them.
Representing the new lawyers, Lamin M. Dibba expressed gratitude to the Bar and the audience. He thanked the Chief Justice for his inspiring words throughout their two-year course. He acknowledged the privilege bestowed upon them and promised that they would strive to meet the expectations set before them.
By: Kexx Sanneh
