This archive report was first published on 7 May 2021.
On May 7, 2021, Acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu addressed the admission of 191 newly qualified lawyers to the Roll of Advocates, emphasizing the need for young lawyers to adapt to the dynamism of the legal profession.
Mwilu stressed that it is the responsibility of legal minds to promote public confidence in the entire edifice of justice, urging the new lawyers to maintain the highest levels of honesty in their line of work.
“Under that oath, your singular obligation is to the Constitution. Such is the solemnity of the oath you took today. And if its magnitude had eluded your estimations before you took it, allow me to ensure that its gravity registers now,” She said.
Mwilu acknowledged that the challenges faced by young lawyers today are different from those she faced when she joined the profession, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hardships as exacerbating factors.
“Having taken this oath, you must now live and breathe constitutionalism as an advocate. Understand your role in the continuing formation and development of our nascent and fragile constitutional democracy,” She said.
Mwilu urged the new lawyers to confront challenges and obstacles deliberately and without equivocation, equipping themselves with the skills and abilities to deal with the trials and tribulations they will face as advocates.
