Forty new lawyers and two legal procurators yesterday took an oath of office and allegiance before Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano, Mr Justice Joseph D. Camilleri and Mr Justice Joseph A. Filletti.

Chief Justice of the State of Ontario, Heather Foster Smith, in Malta on a courtesy visit, was also present.

The new lawyers, 24 men and 16 women, together with the legal procurators, took their oath of office and allegiance in the presence of four senior lawyers who graduated and received their warrants about 60 years ago – Dr Victor Borg Grech, Prof. Joseph Ganado, Prof. Edwin Busuttil and Dr Albert Ganado.

In his address, the President of the Chamber of Advocates, Dr Robert G. Mangion praised the four senior lawyers, saying they are well-known in the legal field, particularly since they held various prestigious posts that carried immense responsibility over the years.

Dr Mangion highlighted the fact that the new lawyers and legal procurators should not only observe their professional duty with a sense of integrity and according to the lawyers’ Code of Ethics, but they should also maintain high moral standards.

The President of the Chamber of Legal Procurators Edgar Montanaro spoke about the growing importance and responsibility of legal procurators within the field of legal administration.

He said legal procurators have the right to an audience on various boards, tribunals, inferior courts, as well as the Family Court, since it appears that the inferior courts will be given more importance in the near future. In this way, legal procurators will be able to assist clients in a more direct way by attending sittings before magistrates.

Chief Justice De Gaetano addressed the new lawyers and legal procurators after they took their respective oaths. He highlighted the importance of their profession and the responsibility it carries with it.

He told them to remember their duty to offer their services for free in cases involving people who may not be able to pay.

Chief Justice De Gaetano added that lawyers must always remember to act according to the oath they have taken – to seek justice, the truth and to pay attention to detail – and to keep abreast with developments in the legal field.