Reputation is the most important asset a lawyer can have, newly-admitted legal practitioners were told yesterday.
Chief Justice Salesi Temo said success in the legal profession depended largely on how lawyers conducted themselves both inside and outside the courtroom.
“In the legal profession, the only thing you sell is your reputation, that is, your reputation as a lawyer.”
Justice Temo said.
“Protect your reputation.”
He explained that the public closely observed the behaviour of lawyers because they were officers of the court.
“You are now officers of the high court. That is a privilege.”
Justice Temo also warned that irresponsible behaviour could damage a lawyer’s professional standing.
“You could be a good lawyer, but once you go out and start drinking like there’s no tomorrow, and you’re knocked out on the mango tree, and the bus comes in the morning and they tell you you’re knocked out, you’re not preserving your reputation.”
He reminded the young practitioners that lawyers had a responsibility to the wider community.
“You’re not only lawyers acting for clients, but you are also the public look up to you.”
He said lawyers were often under public scrutiny.
“Just like us on the bench. We’re like fish swimming in a fishbowl. Everywhere you move, people look at you.”
Justice Temo encouraged the new lawyers to uphold the values of the profession as they began their legal careers.
