Senior legal experts to train newly-admitted attorneys – Sir Patterson

Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham has found a solution to assist the newest batch of lawyers admitted to the Bar.

A week after he expressed concern over the fact that those attorneys-at-law would be admitted without their usual training, Sir Patterson today outlined plans to provide them with training opportunities.

Speaking during a virtual sitting of the Supreme Court this morning where 38 lawyers took the oath, Sir Patterson told them he was bothered by the situation and together with the Barbados Bar Association had arranged for training presentations to be held.

“The considerable disruption in your student life has concerned me deeply. The training at the Hugh Wooding Law School combined with your in-service experience are designed to equip you with some of the necessary skills and aptitude needed prior to formal entry into the legal world. I have learned that your in-service programme was deferred until your second year. On reflection, that decision, principally driven by the presence of COVID-19, can be seen in a positive light where it brings your practical exposure closer to your admission,” he pointed out.

“Arising from this concern a joint initiative with the Bar has been planned. Its purpose is to expose you to additional elements of training which were not possible in the summer.”

Sir Patterson revealed that well respected judiciary officers such as Queen’s Counsel Sir Elliot Mottley, Sir Richard Cheltenham Q.C. and Justice Christopher Blackman would administer the first training course which would focus on the history and function of the Bar.

“I can assure you it will be enriching and entertaining. More critically, it will be given to you in a context which otherwise you may not be aware of. I anticipate there will be heavy attendance at this session,” Sir Patterson said.

He disclosed that other top luminaries involved in the training would include former Chief Justice Sir David Simmons Q.C. and the Director of Public Prosecutions Donna Babb-Agard Q.C.

The Chief Justice said the first presentation was slated for October 29 with two more scheduled to take place before the end of the year and two others in early 2022.

The Chief Justice also spoke to the new attorneys-at-law about the need for honesty in their profession.

He said there was always the fear of lawyers not being able to account for funds entrusted to them.

“This is a perennial sore point…Full accounting must be given at all times for funds entrusted,” Sir Patterson maintained.

Attorney General Dale Marshall lamented the fact the number of lawyers being admitted to the Bar was smaller than in previous years.

He said those numbers had also decreased last year and blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for the fall off. (RB)