New lawyers were today encouraged to be “flexible” in the face of an ever-changing landscape.
This advice came as Chief Justice Patterson Cheltenham addressed the 16 new attorneys admitted to the BAR.
Today’s ceremony came just weeks after over 30 additional lawyers were added to the list of practicing attorneys in Barbados. The Chief Justice said the theme was equally relevant to those at today’s ceremony. On that occasion, he warned them against mismanagement of client funds.
In attendance at the ceremony in the Court of Appeal were Justices of the Court, Masters of the High Court, President of the Bar Association Rosalind Smith-Millar, Acting Solicitor General Donna Brathwaite, Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court Joy-Ann Clarke along with parents and guardians.
Today, the CJ offered words of advice.
“As you transition from your dreams to the present new reality, be flexible in the face of an ever-changing landscape. These are shifting times,” Patterson said. According to him, even court processes had to be repurposed to accommodate the presence of COVID-19 and as such, he urged the lawyers to be alert to relevant practice directions.
In addition, the new attorneys were told to have a resource person to lean on for guidance on particular areas of law, for managing any pitfalls encountered and for ensuring compliance with all ethical guidelines that inform conduct in the profession.
They were warned “not to venture into practice areas solely on the basis of what you think you’ve learned at law school”. Knowledge in certain areas of law, according to the Chief Justice, was acquired through exposure and guidance from trusted and reliable fellow attorneys.
“It is unwise to ignore this caution. The capacity to harm your reputation and disappoint your client is real and yet can easily be avoided,” he advised.
He noted that new legislation must be explored to assist clients and the onus was on them to review constantly.
“You must be alert to all possible changes in the law and be quick to adapt and equip yourselves with all the tools necessary to enhance your reputation,” he said, adding that success in this area will depend on the qualities of vigilance and diligence.
CJ Patterson suggested that the lawyers return all calls to clients, a practice which he said should become a subtle habit as it combines etiquette and good manners. He encouraged them to be punctual as it showed professionalism and to be conscious of ethical obligations to clients and to colleagues and the court.
“The pathway may appear to be cluttered with obstacles, within these obstacles you must seize opportunities to motivate yourselves, to undertake assignments from a different perspective and to be creative and resourceful. Be mindful at all times that whatever approach is taken must be in the context of the profession, guided by rules and practices and buttressed… by much wisdom,” he concluded.
Attorney General Dale Marshall echoed similar words of advice.
He said despite the challenges that may present themselves, they would be “opportunities for those who are diligent”.
Having looked at the lawyers’ biographies, he noted though some did not have work experience they had a “lot of enthusiasm”, others had “distinguished careers in academia” and a few were from the Royal Barbados Police Force.
The attorney said he was satisfied that each was a fit and proper to practice law in Barbados and looked forward to practice alongside them.
“They have come from many different directions and with many different biases and attitudes. I only urge that those differences should give way to a solitary commitment to hard work, dedication and honesty,” he said.
