The legal profession is built around integrity and 91 lawyer trainees who will be admitted to the bar this Friday were reminded today that their professional integrity is foremost as lawyers.
This message was echoed in the hall of the Roselyn Anakapu Hall as the Legal Training Institute saw the graduation of its trainees.
“Integrity is the measure of your profession. Your code of ethics demands it, the Courts demand it. You clients demand it. The Society expects it,” Morobe Governor Kelly Naru told them today.
Naru said he was privileged to have passed through the institution 30 years ago and reminded the students that their integrity defines their total professional conduct.
“As members of the legal profession you are required at all times to carefully guard your integrity. Your professional integrity must not be allowed to be called into question. Your professional conduct must be above reproach,” Naru said.
Justice Ambeng Kandakasi also challenged the graduands to live up to the integrity they point to themselves and prove the labels wrong.
He told them to work with the senior lawyers and gain the experience first before they run into court.
“Do not run into court when you are not yet competent. Do not take on a brief or instruction beyond your competency, beyond your experience. Work within what you know and within your competence.
“Gain that experience, gain that competence. Pride goes before destruction. Let not pride lead you. Let not love of money lead you rather your love for serving your country,” Justice Kandakasi said.
Ethel Heagi picked up the Supreme Court Dux award. She also picked up the Leadership award and five other awards.
They will be admitted to the bar this Friday at the National and Supreme Court buildings.