Acting CJ Philomena Mwilu admits 191 new lawyers to the bar – KBC

Acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu has challenged young lawyers to adapt to the dynamism of the legal profession amid challenges posed by COVID-19.

Mwilu says it is the responsibility and duty of legal minds to promote public confidence in the entire edifice of justice.

The Acting Chief Justice spoke when she presided over the admission of 191 newly qualified lawyers to the Roll of Advocates.

“Under that oath, your singular obligation is to the Constitution. Such is the solemnity of the oath you took today. And if its magnitude had eluded your estimations before you took it, allow me to ensure that its gravity registers now,” She said.

Mwilu urged lawyers to maintain the highest levels of honesty in their line of work saying, “The challenges that your generation faces today are not the same as those I faced when I joined the profession and took this very oath over thirty six years ago. We are currently within the ravages of a vicious pandemic which has only 7 exacerbated economic hardships and made even tougher, what was a tough job market and practice environment.”

“Having taken this oath, you must now live and breathe constitutionalism as an advocate. Understand your role in the continuing formation and development of our nascent and fragile constitutional democracy,” She said.

Mwilu urged the new lawyers to confront challenges and obstacles deliberately and without equivocation as they embark on the next stage of their personal and professional growth.

“You must equip yourselves with the skills and abilities to deal with the trials and tribulations you will face as advocates. The experiences of your senior colleagues on the Bar are invaluable in this regard, and you must make the most of and learn from them,” She said.

Mwilu wished them well even as she implored on them to be good ambassadors of the law.

“As an advocate, you must be conscious of your conduct & etiquette. Always be honest, respectable and civil in all your interactions as an advocate and as a person. Be honest with your clients and all those whom you give counsel; for it is your responsibility and duty to promote public confidence in the entire edifice of justice,” She said.