The Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Justice Devendra Pathik School of Law at the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem, has responded critically to remarks made by Attorney General Graham Leung, who claimed that the country’s universities are producing law graduates in an “assembly line fashion.” Professor Shameem described these comments as false, derogatory, and demoralizing to young lawyers entering the field.
During his address at the Fiji Law Society Convention, the Attorney General’s simplistic statements did not adequately reflect the nuances of the legal profession in Fiji, according to Professor Shameem. She emphasized that the University of Fiji has cultivated a specialized law program, producing a small yet highly competent number of graduates each year. She pointed out that all law graduates from her school have secured employment after their admission, which she believes underscores the need for officials to conduct thorough research before making broad claims in public forums.
Additionally, Professor Shameem expressed disappointment over the suggestion that senior lawyers should mentor young graduates due to perceived gaps in their skills. She noted that the shortage of exemplary senior lawyers in Fiji limits the benchmarks available for young graduates to emulate. Moreover, she highlighted that many experienced lawyers do not set an adequate example, citing issues such as arrogance, lack of preparation, and disrespect towards younger colleagues.
The dean noted that while young lawyers are eager to learn and passionate about the law, the current climate has created a leadership void. She pointed out the troubling trend of prioritizing profit over public service in the legal profession, as well as the need for law firms to instill higher ethical standards in their interns. According to her, a key lesson from law schools is to uphold the honor of the profession, a goal hindered by various challenges, including leadership issues across the sector.
Professor Shameem concluded by urging the Attorney General to take a proactive role in fostering a more supportive environment for young lawyers, which would facilitate their development and ensure they have role models to learn from. A response from the Office of the Attorney-General has been sought for further clarification on this matter.
In light of the discussions surrounding the legal profession in Fiji, it is essential to focus on the positive potential for change and improvement. With university law programs committed to ethical teaching and employment success for their graduates, there exists an opportunity to reshape the profession into one that not only values excellence but also ethical conduct and public service. This could lead to a more robust legal community that uplifts both young and experienced practitioners alike.
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