During the Fiji Law Society Convention 2024 held at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa in Wailoaloa, Attorney-General Graham Leung expressed his concerns regarding the current state of the legal profession in Fiji. He highlighted the potential issue of an oversaturation of lawyers, particularly unskilled ones, and emphasized the importance of mentorship within the legal community.
Leung noted that some young lawyers may be drawn to the profession by a perception of glamour or the promise of financial stability. He urged senior lawyers to take their responsibilities seriously by guiding and mentoring the younger generation, who now significantly outnumber their experienced counterparts.
He raised critical questions regarding whether senior legal practitioners are fulfilling their roles in shaping the next wave of lawyers to tackle future challenges. Leung pointed out that younger lawyers often face difficulties in navigating a competitive job market and urged established firms to actively support them.
Furthermore, he underscored the need for lawyers to have a deep understanding of their professional values in order to effectively address the numerous challenges facing Fiji.
This call for introspection and mentorship within the legal field reflects a hopeful direction for the profession. With a collaborative effort between experienced and new lawyers, the legal community can strengthen its foundation and enhance its capacity to meet the needs of society. As the legal landscape evolves, the commitment to supporting emerging talent offers a chance to foster a more skilled and responsive legal fraternity in Fiji.
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