Being a lawyer is not about wigs, gowns, influence and money - CJ

Accra, May 8, GNA - The Chief Justice Mrs Justice Georgina Theodora Wood on Friday said activities of lawyers was about hard work, professional competence, trust and integrity. She has therefore called on them to go about their duties with dignity and honour, and be courteous and civil to all stakeholders in the administration of justice.

"I would like to remind you that being a lawyer is not all about gowns, wigs, influence and money. It's about hard work, professional competence, trust and integrity"

The Chief Justice made the remarks at the enrolment of 19 lawyers including four females at the Supreme Court in Accra. Mrs Wood noted that General Legal Counsel and other well meaning Ghanaians have had the course to complain about the deteriorating standards of the profession.

This, she said, placed an enormous responsibility on them to be different in the manner in which they practice their profession. Mrs Wood further entreated them to bear in mind that as matter of reciprocity, judges had every right to demand civility and appropriate conduct from them.

According to her, some judges would apply the appropriate sanctions, which included contempt citations when "a lawyer's uncivil conduct is totally reprehensible."

"Spare yourselves and families the headache and spare the profession the shame in pushing any judge to apply any of our court's coercive powers," she cautioned.

Mrs Wood said the legal profession was a highly respected and honourable one and urged them to strive to gain the confidence, trust and respect of their peers and clients. The Chief Justice pointed out the congestions in the courts which had overburdened staff and urged them to embrace the Alternative Dispute Resolution concept to increase efficiency in the administration of justice.

She appealed to the newly qualified lawyers to respond to the call to serve as Magistrates and Judges adding," public service has its own rewards and I can assure those who opt for the bench a lifetime of satisfaction and personal fulfilment. The newly qualified lawyers in a joint undertaking pledged to abide by the professional conduct and Etiquette as prescribed by the General legal Council and uphold the honour and dignity of the legal profession.

Among those present at the ceremony were Dr Barton Oduro, Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Madam Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Women and Children Affairs, members of the General Legal Council, Justices of the Superior Courts and Lower Courts.