Law Profession In Not A Gold Mine – Chief Justice Tells New Lawyers
Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah has asked newly enrolled lawyers not to see the profession as a gold mine, but rather continue to learn, work hard, and abide by the ethics of the profession.
“A more enduring success is one that derives from professional values and work to impact positively on society as whole, particularly on the lives of the underprivileged, the poor and the voiceless,” he said.
Chief Justice Anin Yeboah was speaking at the enrolment of 95 lawyers (mini call) at the Court Complex in Accra on Friday. Out of the 95 lawyers, 30, were females.
According to the Chief Justice, some people have erroneous assumptions that the call to the bar was the end of legal education.
This, he said, was false, “because even though the call is the ultimate which initiates the practice of law, it is imperative that you avail yourselves of every available opportunity and continued legal education as this is the only way to keep abreast of the changes in law.”
“With years of practice, dedication and commitment, particularly under the tutelage and supervision of a senior legal practitioner, you will not only learn the procedures of court and the fine nuances of the law but also you will receive a good foundation to the practice of law,” he told the new lawyers.
Justice Yeboah told the lawyers that the COVID-19 pandemic has also ushered in new ways of conducting business and urged them to take advantage of joining training programmes remotely so they could better present their cases before the courts.
Justice Anin Yeboah, who is also the Chairman of the General Legal Council, also entreated the lawyers not to deny the Legal Aid Commission their services.
He further urged the lawyers to be mindful of the courtroom language and etiquette, adding, “Avoid the use of indecent language, indecorous and intemperate language, show of arrogance, self-importance and other undesirable attitudes.
Avoid the application of improper and unwholesome methods of procuring justice for your client.”
Chief Justice who administered oaths on the lawyers further admonished them not disregard the professional charging fees by overcharging their client of services, especially for services that had not even been rendered.
“The rules frown on touting and so you must desist from that …. You must respect client -lawyer confidentiality. Do not mislead the court in your advocacy by acting in a way that damages the reputation of the profession.
According to the Chief Justice, the General Legal Council will not close its eyes on any infractions on their part if the council’s attention is drawn.
The ceremony brought together justices of the Superior Courts, Godfred Yeboah Dame, Attorney General, President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mr Yaw Boafo, Justice Cynthia Pamela Addo, the Judicial Secretary, Mr Yaw D. Oppong, Director, Ghana School of Law, among others.