Justice stresses need for older lawyers to nurture younger ones

As more lawyers are frequently churned out by the universities, a senior member of the bench, Justice Archibong E. Archibong of the Akwa Ibom State judiciary, has called on senior members of the profession mentor the younger ones.
He said that doing so would enlighten the new lawyers on jurisprudence and maintain dignity of the profession in the society.

He spoke recently when a group, International Lawyers Fellowship of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, held a dinner night for its members in Calabar.

He urged the senior colleagues not to distance themselves from the fresh lawyers.

Justice Archibing, who is chair of the group, said: “Over the years that I have been at the bar and have sat on the high court bench, I have observed that the approach of lawyers, particularly the senior ones, has been one of duty and respect for the profession and the court before which they appear.

“I wish only to remind us that the younger generations of lawyers are still our learned colleagues and we have the duty to drill and nurture them in the intricacies of the profession.”

He urged lawyers to be above board in their professional duties, adding: “As lawyers, we are the pillars of the society. In war and in peace, we are the tribune of the people, even in our religious organisations. Let the sense of this unique duty live and breathe with us. As we discharge this duty, let us always bear in mind that our hallmarks are integrity, hard work and obedience to the law.”