Chief Justice David Maraga is concerned that the image of the legal profession is in "tatters". Maraga said this on Tuesday wh...
Chief Justice David Maraga is concerned that the image of the legal profession is in "tatters".
Maraga said this on Tuesday while advising the 268 lawyers he admitted to the Roll of Advocates. Two hundred and seventy two will be admitted on Friday at the Milimani Law Courts Ceremonial Hall.
The CJ told the new High Court advocates to prepare for challenges such as "nasty jokes" that come with their line of work.
“The law's image as a noble and honourable profession is in tatters. You probably will be surprised that our profession is not always very much loved. We bear the brunt of many nasty jokes and often it sounds as if we are enemies of society rather than friends of the people we serve," he said.
He added that many societies tend to view lawyers as elite professionals who are more interested in their bank accounts than public good.
Maraga told the lawyers that practice is not a right but a privilege.
“The privilege of calling yourself a lawyer comes with many prerequisites. You will be treated with respect and deference not only by your clients, but also by the public," he said.
The CJ further noted that the pleasures and privileges of practice come with many responsibilities and potential pitfalls.
"Anyone who enters the profession of law just so that they may make some good money enters it for the wrong reason, and is bound, ultimately, to be unfulfilled."
He called upon the young lawyers to venture into practices that are good for the public and that will create opportunities for them.
"Let me give you a few obvious ones that you should look out for: speak for the voiceless or those oppressed by their circumstances and victims of historical injustices,” he said, adding that they should fight against human rights abuses and protect the Constitution.
COMMENTS