“Integrity is not incidental to the legal profession — it is its foundation.”
That was the message from High Court Judge Justice Frank Seepersad to dozens of new attorneys officially admitted to practice law on Friday.
In a ceremony marking the transition from law graduate to legal professional, Justice Seepersad reminded new attorneys that the law is ultimately about people, power and responsibility.
“Your admission is, therefore, not simply the culmination of academic achievement. It is the assumption of an enduring public responsibility.”
As he addressed 56 individuals admitted to the Bar, he stressed that becoming an attorney carries lifelong obligations.
He emphasised that those who seek legal help will often do so during periods of vulnerability, uncertainty and distress.
“In such moments, honesty is not optional. You must possess the discipline and professional courage to provide advice grounded in law and principle, rather than guidance shaped by convenience, popularity or financial incentive.”
At the centre of his message was integrity – described not as an ideal, but as a daily obligation reflected in every decision.
“Your integrity will ultimately be measured not by public declarations, but by everyday decisions. The service you provide, the representations you make to the court, the fees you charge and the manner in which you treat those who depend upon your guidance.”
Justice Seepersad made it clear that public confidence in the justice system depends on how attorneys carry themselves.
“There will inevitably be occasions when professional duty and personal ambition come into tension. In those moments, guided by the provisions of the Legal Profession Act and the ethical obligations of this noble profession, you must resist the temptation to compromise principle for expediency.”
Justice Seepersad urged the new cohort to uphold fairness, discipline and integrity — warning that the strength of the justice system ultimately rests on their conduct.