New attorneys admitted to the Bar are being urged to explore new areas of law.
Acting Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, made this call as he addressed 48 new attorneys – 40 women and eight men – in Court No. 1, at the Supreme Court Complex, Whitepark Road, St. Michael, on Monday.
“There is AI (artificial intelligence) and other new trends and exciting new areas that are ripe for development,” Mr. Abrahams said.
The Acting Attorney General also urged the new lawyers to consider careers in criminal law. He noted that there are many attorneys in Barbados, but at the Criminal Bar, the same three to five names were heard for each case.
Mr. Abrahams noted that this year’s new group of attorneys was one of the most diverse the Court has ever seen, but noted that few showed an interest in criminal law.
He said that while a number of females had come to the fore in criminal law, historically, the bulk of criminal lawyers was men.
During his address, Mr. Abrahams gave the new attorneys advice that would help them on their legal journey. “The study of law is one thing, but the practice of law is different,” he said.
He urged them not to be afraid to ask for assistance, and to treat all those within the judicial system with respect.
The Acting Attorney General added that as new attorneys, they will be held to the same standard of their seniors, and cautioned that there was no excuse for not being prepared.
“Take advantage of the continuous education that is available to you, and keep on top of whatever area you are in,” he advised.
This was supported by Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham, who also implored the new attorneys to continue their legal education by committing to a programme of continuous study and enhancement.
The Chief Justice also cautioned them to be wise when utilising the new technology and AI. “Do not abandon your intellectual gifts,” he warned.
He repeated calls for the new attorneys to ensure that their personal accounts were kept separate from their clients’ accounts. “Trust broken can never be regained. Don’t try to get rich quickly,” he said, adding that their attitude to the profession would determine how far they went in the profession.
Valedictorian, Shakira Emtage, noted that nearly all of the case law on misappropriation of funds came from Barbados, and echoed the call for her colleagues to have separate bank accounts from those of their clients. “Law is a noble profession. We are vessels by which society seeks justice,” she said.