Twenty six (26) barristers and solicitors were this morning sworn in at the Supreme Court by Chief Justice, Anthony Gates.
Justice Gates urged the legal practitioners to be courteous to court, counsel, litigants and witnesses at all times because their conduct at the Bar would also be a reflection on their universities.
“If you strive hard for high standards, people will take note and think highly of your tertiary institution,” Justice Gates said.
“You have each taken an oath or affirmation that you will truly and honestly conduct yourself in the practice as a legal practitioner according to the best of your knowledge and ability.”
Justice Gates also called on the legal practitioners to be fully conversant with works of the profession in their first years at the Bar.
“Having said that, you will find much fulfilment and gain much understanding of the world and human nature if you read widely. You should of course, read about the law. In the next few years you will be very busy learning about the practicalities. But you should also try to read books on general topics as well,” Justice Gates said.
For 24 year old solicitor, Anjinish Reddy of Tavua, today’s ceremony marked years of hard work and dedication to her studies.
“The fact that we have come this far is a big achievement for any lawyer. Being admitted to the Bar is definitely the biggest day of a lawyer’s life. Currently, I am working for a law firm and my plans are to continue there.”
Ms Reddy also had a short, yet profound message for aspiring lawyers of Fiji.
“The only way to achieving your goals is through hard work. There is no shortcut.”
-ENDS-