Maldives Supreme Court Justice Dr Mohamed Ibrahim said that Ethical conduct is as important as education for legal practitioners.
Speaking at a ceremony held at Villa College Hall to administer the oath to newly admitted lawyers, Justice Dr Mohamed Ibrahim said that the first quality a client or a person seeking legal services notices in a lawyer is that lawyer’s character. He stressed that lawyers must be honest in their dealings with clients, maintain confidentiality, and act with sincerity and integrity.
The Supreme Court Justice further emphasised the importance of upholding the values contained in the lawyers’ oath, including trustworthiness, honesty and dedicated service.
“The oath is a living commitment. One must work responsibly and sincerely. That is how trust is earned,” he said.
Speaking at the same ceremony, President of the Bar Council Hussain Siraj noted that taking the lawyer’s oath marks the beginning of a lawyer’s professional career.
He stated that this is the point at which lawyers become participants in the administration of justice and the pursuit of fairness, adding that they must carry out their responsibilities with the utmost sincerity and professionalism.
Siraj also highlighted that a lawyer’s success should not be measured solely by the number of cases won, but by the contribution made towards establishing justice and upholding the rule of law.
“The legal profession’s oath comes after many stages of learning and preparation. This day should not simply be seen as the end of legal education, but as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to justice. Lawyers must be role models, and it is essential that they remain well-versed in the law,” he said.
This was the third lawyer admission ceremony held this year. The oath was administered by High Court Judge Ismail Shafeeu, while certificates were presented by Supreme Court Justice Dr Mohamed Ibrahim.
With the admission of 11 new lawyers at today’s ceremony, the total number of practising lawyers in the Maldives, excluding judges and magistrates, has reached 1,983.