One by one, 50 new lawyers and four legal procurators, who received their warrants a few days ago, stepped up and took the oath that bound them to the duties the profession brings with it, as their relatives watched from the court room gallery.

The presentation took place yesterday as part of an appeals’ court sitting and the graduates in the faculty of law were advised to take heed of the words they were reciting.

After each of the lawyers and the four legal procurators solemnly swore to uphold their duties and be loyal to the people, the Constitution and the administration of justice, Chief Justice Vincent Degaetano made a few comments they were to keep in mind during the course of their career.

“In the oath you have just taken, you swore to do your jobs faithfully, honestly and in exactness, and these are ideals you must value,” he said. The Chief Justice went on to say that lawyers must not be swayed by the whims of their clients, but must also act out of loyalty to society. “Lawyers must not be reduced to being hired guns for their clients,” he pointed out.

“If a lawyer knows for a fact that his client is about to commit perjury, he must abdicate his position to prevent the possible corruption of the administration of justice,” he said.

The Chief Justice also declared that lawyers should offer their services for free, if someone in need approaches them but has no way of paying. This is because everyone has the right to a defence.

Chamber of Advocates president Robert Mangion also spoke at yesterday’s ceremony and explained that a lawyer must instill faith in his client and in the profession itself.

In light of the death of Pope John Paul II, Dr Mangion picked out a few of his speeches in which he had mentioned the profession. Quoting the late pope, Dr Mangion said that lawyers must not use the tools and power they are given for anything other than the administration of justice.

“Although this quote refers to divorce, it can be applied across the board to all aspects of the legal profession,” he said. Dr Mangion listed the values that the 50 new lawyers should respect in exercising their knowledge, including their duties towards the court, as well as independence and integrity.

Chamber of Legal Procurators president Edgar Montanaro also addressed the gathering and explained that the profession of a legal procurator is an important link in the administration of justice, since he gives impartial advice and exercises loyalty to the highest degree.