CHIEF Justice Salesi Temo has urged new lawyers to build their reputations through honesty and never to step outside “the four corners of the law” even when pressured by clients.
Speaking to 11 newly- admitted lawyers yesterday, Justice Temo said legal practitioners must remain committed to ethical practices while advocating fearlessly for those they represent.
He said a lawyer’s conduct in the courtroom played a significant role in earning the respect of the bench.
“I’ve come through lawyers who fight fearlessly but are not polite in the courtroom and I’ve come through lawyers who are very polite in the courtroom,” he said.
Justice Temo said, in his view, the most effective lawyers were those who remained courteous.
He said politeness could be a powerful advocacy tool, admitting there had been occasions when he later questioned decisions he had made after being persuaded by courteous counsel.
“You are in the courtroom, you are nothing but an advocate.
“Your clients. You are not there to decide for them. The one who’s going to decide is the one who sits on the bench.”
He said lawyers should focus on persuading the court through professional advocacy while recognising that judges closely observe their conduct.
“For us on the bench, we observe you lawyers as you appear before us. Reputation is what you build in the courtroom.”
Justice Temo said a strong reputation was earned through hard work, honesty and courage, but stressed that lawyers must always operate within the law.
He also cautioned the new lawyers against giving in to pressure from clients to act improperly.
“Some of your clients may try and persuade you to work outside the four corners of the law. Please don’t go that way. Stay within the four corners,” he said.
