Professor Shaista Shameem, the Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Justice Devendra Pathik School of Law at the University of Fiji, has strongly criticized Attorney General Graham Leung’s recent comments claiming that local universities are producing law graduates in an “assembly line fashion.” She characterized his remarks as not only false but also damaging to the morale of young attorneys.
Professor Shameem described the Attorney General’s speech at the Fiji Law Society Convention as overly simplistic and filled with generalizations. She expressed her expectation that the AG would provide a more nuanced view regarding the legal profession in Fiji. Emphasizing her commitment to quality over quantity, she noted that the University of Fiji’s law school prides itself on a selective approach, often producing top-notch graduates each year. She highlighted the impressive employment rate of 100% for its graduates, suggesting that thorough research is imperative before making broad assertions in public venues.
Furthermore, Professor Shameem took issue with Leung’s earlier claim that senior attorneys are failing to mentor younger lawyers effectively, which she believes stems from a lack of experienced mentors in Fiji. She noted that many older lawyers often do not set a constructive example, explaining that some exhibit traits such as arrogance and neglect for professionalism.
In her perspective, the current legal environment suffers from a dearth of strong leadership and a troubling degree of politicization that adversely impacts the profession. The JDP School of Law aims to instill ethical standards and a sense of duty to public service in its students, which she asserts is crucial yet faces various challenges.
With a constructive outlook, Professor Shameem urged the Attorney General to enhance mentorship opportunities and improve leadership within the profession, advocating for young lawyers to have role models that exemplify the honour in practicing law. FijiLive has attempted to reach out for comments from the Office of the Attorney-General.
In summary, the article illustrates a critical dialogue about the state of legal education and practice in Fiji, reflecting the challenges faced by both students and practitioners in an evolving landscape. By emphasizing the importance of mentorship and ethical practice, there is hope for fostering a new generation of legal professionals who uphold the noble values of their profession.
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