The new lawyers comprise of 41 Gambians, 37 Ghanaians, and 4 Cameroonians, showcasing a diverse cohort ready to enter the legal profession.
This ceremony marked the 13th call to the bar event at the institution, celebrating the dedication and achievements of the graduates.
Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow said “you are almost there, not entirely there yet, but almost there. With the call to the bar, it is an important milestone, but you still have a year to go forward with your pupil age.”
CJ extended appreciation to the academic boards of the bar school and the lecturers who contributed in making sure the school stands out in terms of its standards, performance of its students.
“We must ensure that we uphold and enhance the standards the school has established, which have contributed significantly to its strong reputation,” Chief Justice stated.
Dawda Jallow, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, said the very essence of being a lawyer is about serving the public good. “It is about ensuring that justice is not a mere abstraction but a tangible reality for all who seek it.”
He added that the legal profession was not just about mastering statutes, legal precedents, or courtroom tactics. “It is about understanding the deeper purpose of the law that was to serve as an instrument of justice.
The Justice Minister advised the graduates to always remain grounded in the values that have brought them to this far, adding that the values of integrity, fairness, and commitment to justice could guide them in every case they handle.
Gibriel Bah Esquire, who served as the guest speaker, pointed out that as lawyers, they ‘are’ expected by their clients to meet and maintain certain standards of professionalism and ethics.
“This is why we are governed by the Legal Practitioners Act and the standards and regulations issued periodically by the General Legal Council.”
He encouraged the graduates to acquire new skills and pursue higher qualifications in various fields of law. He also urged them to learn a second language, highlighting the numerous job opportunities that could arise as a result.
He reminded them that being a lawyer is not just about winning cases, “it is about doing what is right, especially when the stakes are high.”
Isha Jasseh, the valedictorian, extended appreciation to the academic boards, lecturers, and fellow graduates for their tireless efforts in helping them reach that milestone in their academic journey.
She said the road to that moment was not without challenges. “Intensive studies and moments of self-doubt were part of the process. Yet every obstacle strengthened our resolve and commitment to this profession,” she stated.
