The Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Justice Devendra Pathik School of Law at the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem, has criticized Attorney General Graham Leung for referring to law graduates from three universities as being produced in ‘‘assembly line fashion.’’ She condemned his remarks as misleading, derogatory, and detrimental to the morale of emerging lawyers.
During his speech at the Fiji Law Society Convention, Professor Shameem noted the Attorney General’s comments lacked depth and relied on overgeneralizations. She argued that the University of Fiji emphasizes quality over quantity, graduating a small, competitive cohort of graduates who are successfully employed upon entering the legal field.
Additionally, Professor Shameem expressed her disappointment with the Attorney General’s suggestions that senior lawyers should mentor new graduates more effectively, asserting that there is an insufficient number of competent senior lawyers to serve as role models. She highlighted a concerning trend where established lawyers exhibit behaviors like arrogance and unpreparedness, which negatively impacts young professionals eager to learn.
Offering an insightful perspective, she pointed out an apparent vacuum of legal leadership that hinders the development of new lawyers. She emphasized the importance of ethics and public service in the curriculum of the JDP School of Law and noted that feedback from the legal industry indicates that students grasp these principles well.
Professor Shameem stressed that many law firms view their operations primarily as profit-driven, leading to the dilution of moral standards that should underpin legal practice. She stated her responsibility includes guiding graduates towards reputable legal organizations and away from those that do not uphold these values.
In summary, Professor Shameem’s commentary serves as a call for improved leadership within Fiji’s legal community and urges the Attorney General to set a positive example for future lawyers. The situation highlights the need for a collaborative approach to nurturing new talent within the legal profession, ensuring that young lawyers can find mentors and establish ethical practices.
This article ultimately underscores a hopeful narrative: with strong leadership and commitment to professional ethics, the legal landscape in Fiji can foster a new generation of empowered and principled lawyers dedicated to justice and public service.
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