A total of 56 lawyers and three legal procurators yesterday took the oath of office after being granted their warrant in the past days.

Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano said the oath meant they were to perform their duties faithfully, with all honesty and exactness.

“These words should remain with you throughout your life,” Dr De Gaetano said. You should not act as “hired guns” and must always say the “truth”, while being “loyal” to their colleagues and the courts of justice.

“You have a duty to society”, and must never deliberately or out of negligence, try to change the outcome of court proceedings.

He also advised the new lawyers to be humble and refrain from using flowery language because it was substance that mattered.

President of the Chamber of Advocates, Andrew Borg Cardona augured work in favour of the rule of law, democracy and their clients. He said their profession was not the most loved because words were their tools and people were envious of this fact.

Respect was only won by respecting each other and themselves. Dr Borg Cardona also advised the lawyers to seek assistance from more experienced colleagues when necessary, especially on ethical matters.

The Chamber was also drafting a law for the profession to be able to face the challenges of the coming century.