By: Dawda M. Jallow and Sering Mass Jallow
The General Legal Council on Wednesday enrolled 46 new lawyers into The Gambia Bar, with Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow urging the new practitioners to uphold integrity, professionalism and the rule of law throughout their legal careers.
The enrolment ceremony, held at the Supreme Court in Banjul and presided over by the Chief Justice, brought together judges of the Superior Courts, magistrates, Members of the General Legal Council, representatives of the Gambia Bar Association, the Gambia Law Society, the Judicial Service Commission, government officials, as well as family members and friends of the newly admitted lawyers.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Jallow congratulated the new lawyers, describing their admission to the Bar as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to justice and public service.
He noted that the ceremony held special significance as it coincided with the end of his tenure as Chief Justice.
“This is a happy coincidence that you are entering the profession as I prepare to leave office,” he said.
The Chief Justice acknowledged the contributions of families, mentors, sponsors and friends who supported the graduates throughout their legal education.
He reminded the new lawyers that they were joining one of the country’s oldest professions, with a legal tradition dating back to the mid-19th century and a Bar comprising more than 1,000 legal practitioners.
Chief Justice Jallow urged the lawyers to remain committed to three fundamental duties: service to their clients, duty to the courts and responsibility to society.
While stressing the importance of competent representation, he said a lawyer’s foremost obligation is to assist the courts in the administration of justice through honesty and integrity.
“You have a duty to be honest with the court and to help the court arrive at justice,” he said.
He further called on the new lawyers to uphold judicial independence, defend the rule of law and contribute to democratic governance.
Reflecting on his tenure, Chief Justice Jallow thanked the Gambia Bar Association, the Attorney General’s Chambers and members of the legal profession for their cooperation with the judiciary, which he said had contributed to reforms within the justice sector.
President of the Gambia Bar Association, Neneh Cham, described admission to the Bar as a significant professional milestone and reminded the new lawyers that the legal profession is founded on integrity, respect and service.
She encouraged them to maintain professional courtesy, noting that lawyers traditionally refer to one another as “my learned friend” as a mark of mutual respect.
Cham also urged the new practitioners to join the Gambia Bar Association to benefit from continuing legal education, mentorship and professional support.
Speaking on behalf of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Solicitor General Hussein Thomasi described the newly enrolled lawyers as custodians of justice whose decisions and conduct would have a lasting impact on society.
He urged them to remain steadfast in the face of ethical challenges, stressing that courage and integrity are essential attributes of the legal profession.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the new lawyers, Mohamed Sisay expressed gratitude to God, families, lecturers, pupil masters and senior members of the Bar for their guidance and support.
He pledged that the new lawyers would uphold the ethical standards of the profession, pursue continuous learning and work to expand access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society.