By Landing Ceesay
The General Legal Council (GLC) of The Gambia, entrusted with the responsibility to regulate the legal profession, specifically in the areas of legal practice admission, professional conduct, and legal education, has enrolled 29 legal practitioners to the Bar.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, saw the newly qualified individuals being officially enrolled to the Bar as Barristers and Solicitors of The Gambia’s Supreme Court. This follows the completion of their one-year pupillage, having been called to the Bar a year earlier.
Before their enrolment, the legal practitioners underwent a thorough assessment by the General Legal Council.
In his address, the Honourable Chief Justice of The Gambia, Hassan B. Jallow, who also serves as the Chairperson of the General Legal Council, urged the newly enrolled practitioners to maintain the highest ethical standards in their professional conduct.
“As I wish all of you success in your careers as legal practitioners. Success, of course, will come by the grace of God, but with continuous hard work, with demonstrated competence, with integrity, those are important. If you are going to succeed, you must display those characteristics. And I associate myself with the words of wisdom and the advice that have been proffered by the previous speakers, there is an opportune time also to remind you of some of the jewels of the Code of Conduct, which you need to constantly keep in mind.
“As legal practitioners you are committed, you have an obligation at all times to uphold the dignity, the honour and the high standing of the profession and to desist from dishonest, unjust and disreputable conduct, whether in your professional life or in your personal life, as legal practitioners as well, apart from this commitment to integrity, your paramount and primary concern and duty is to your client, and this applies Whether you have been paid fees or not, even where you act ratchet, you have an obligation to act with the highest standards of professional conduct and to manage your clients affairs in a diligent manner and to try to avoid delays conflict of interest and negligent conduct,” Chief Justice asserted.
The Chief Justice reminded legal practitioners of their duty to never, under any circumstances, use their clients’ money or property for personal gain or the benefit of others.
He emphasized their obligation to keep clients’ funds and assets separate from their own, ensuring proper maintenance of client accounts and safeguarding them with the utmost diligence.
“The General Legal Council has set up an inspection Committee, which will, in due course, be making inspections of all chambers to ensure that these rules relating, among other things, to the maintenance of clients’ assets are being scrupulously observed. You should also remember that as legal practitioners, you owe a duty at all times to maintain the honour and dignity of your profession and to deal fairly with all your colleagues at the bar, that your word to your colleagues is deemed to be your bond. Your words are very important. That is why, when you say you are speaking from the bar, those of us on this side of the bench take your word at his value. Your word is your bond, and you have to honour any undertaking that you make.
“You also need to remember that you are an officer of the court. Be on your duty to your client beyond your own personal interest. You are an officer of the court, and you should endeavour at all times to assist the court in legal matters, whether as instructed counsel or as amicus curiae, you must never deceive or mislead the court, or you shall always endeavour to fulfil any undertaking that you give, and that this duty that you have to record, which is a juice to decide for truth and for justice overrides all your other obligations, even your obligations to your clients,” Chief Justice told the newly enrolled lawyers.
Nenneh M.C. Cham, President of the Gambia Bar Association, encouraged the new Bar members to remain disciplined in their work and emphasized the potential for career growth within the Bar Association through active participation.
“It would be interesting to know how many of you actually remember the words or meaning of the oaths you just took. I recommend having them somewhere on our desks in our offices to serve a constant reminder of the need to respect and live by them. Endeavour to know them by heart and let them always guide your actions. My learned friends, you are invited and welcome to formally join the Gambia Bar Association and encouraged to become active members. The GBA will be richer for your membership. The GBA can offer opportunities for growth, support, and community involvement, significantly enhancing your professional life,” Counsel Cham said.
The Bar Association President emphasized the importance of maintaining mutual respect between lawyers and judges at all times.
Counsel Cham explained that when lawyers bow to the court, they are recognizing the authority of the judiciary and the solemnity of legal proceedings within the courtroom.
She further noted that the practice of lawyers bowing to the bench upon entering or leaving is a gesture of respect for the judge and the institution of the court. This tradition upholds the court’s authority and helps maintain decorum and order in the courtroom.
“When judges bow back, they are returning this gesture, signifying mutual respect between the Bench and the Bar. It effectively sets a tone of professionalism and respect, ensuring that all parties conduct themselves appropriately during and even outside legal proceedings. This exchange is part of the formal courtroom decorum and tradition, reinforcing the idea that whilst the roles may differ, there is a shared commitment to upholding the law and ensuring justice. It helps maintain a respectful and professional atmosphere in the courtroom,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Attorney General’s Chambers, Abdoulie Colley, the Registrar General, reminded the new lawyers of their responsibilities to society. He underscored the critical role they play in upholding justice and serving the public interest.
The Registrar General encouraged newly enrolled legal practitioners to maintain the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and integrity in all aspects of their work. He reminded them that the legal profession is a noble calling that demands not only legal knowledge and expertise but also a profound sense of compassion, empathy, and respect for others’ rights.
Mr. Colley emphasized that being a lawyer is more than just a job—it is a vocation. He highlighted the privilege and responsibility lawyers have to serve their clients, safeguard their rights, and advocate for justice.
“Always act with honesty, diligence and a sense of duty towards the law and those you represent as lawyers, you have the power to say, to save the cause of justice, to defend the oppressed and to uphold the principles of fairness and equality under the law. Let me share a few guiding principles as you embark on your legal journey. Number one, integrity above all, your reputation as a lawyer will be your most valuable asset. Guard it fiercely, always conduct yourself with honesty, professionalism and respect for the truth. Number two, advocate with passion and compassion. As lawyers, you will encounter clients from all walks of life, it being in their own struggles and challenges, advocate for them with passion, but never lose sight of your I mean, side of their human priorities.
“Number four, the final one, embrace lifelong learning. The law is ever evolving. Stay curious, continue to learn and adapt to change, and sorry that you remain effective and relevant in your practice. It is said that the day a lawyer stops learning, the lawyer in him dies. Keep the lawyer in you alive. Above all, familiarize and above all, familiarize yourself with the code of conduct for legal practitioners, and let it be your commandment all through your career, embrace the challenges that come your way, for they will only make you stronger and more resilient in your practice, seek guidance from experienced mentors, because mentors can impact immense benefit to you and your career,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow new members, Essa Trawally expressed gratitude to the General Legal Council for their guidance and support throughout the process.
The General Legal Council is composed of members from the Bench, the Bar, and the Attorney General’s Chambers. As part of its mandate, the Council established the Gambia Law School in 2011 to provide legal education and oversee its governance. Additionally, the GLC is empowered by Section 26(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act of 2016 to manage legal education, determine examination subjects, design instructional courses, and regulate student admissions.