Do not be lax, unprofessional or disrespect your clients or the court and be sure to start well and maintain a reputation for professionalism, accuracy and dependability.
These were the words of advice given by Chief Justice Anthony Gates to the 42 law graduates from the University of the South Pacific who have been admitted to the bar today at GPH in Suva.
Chief Justice Gates also highlighted to the newly admitted lawyers that they must gain the trust and confidence of the court, that they are going to assist the court and show that they know what they are doing as it would be difficult to win over the court later.
Chief Justice Gates says that some young counsels think it is in order, not to turn up to court leaving their clients alone and not knowing what to do.
He advised the new lawyers that if they do this, the Legal Aid Commission will delete them from their list and the young lawyers may have a complaint to answer before the Independent Legal Services Commission.
28-year-old Kelepi Gauna
Meanwhile Nadawa resident Kelepi Gauna tried to hold back his tears as thoughts of his late wife came back as he was being admitted to the bar as a lawyer today at GPH.
Speaking to Fijivillage following his admission, Gauna was emotional as he spoke about his 5 years of studies in India and the hopes he had for his now 3-year-old daughter.
The 28-year-old reminisced about beginning his studies in 2010 and then later meeting his wife before completing his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law and moving back to Fiji with his new family in 2016.
Gauna says he returned to India this year to visit his daughter adding that he is blessed to have his 3 year old with him as he achieved this milestone.
Gauna now works as a statutory prosecutor with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission.
