Chief Justice Salesi Temo encouraged 45 newly-admitted lawyers to uphold the code of conduct to safeguard their professional integrity. He underscored the necessity of maintaining ethical standards, sharing insights from public complaints regarding lawyers.
“Every day when I come to my office, I open the letters of complaints,” Mr. Temo stated. He clarified the complaint handling process, revealing that the Chief Registrar and two officers review complaints lodged against lawyers. They have the power to dismiss cases or facilitate mediation between the lawyer and the complainant, highlighting the court’s preference for amicable resolutions.
“I am inclined to promote more mediation,” he remarked. Acknowledging the significant challenges faced by lawyers, he noted that the handling of minor complaints has evolved. “Not like previously, where any small complaints they take you to task. We emphasize mediation, where we ask you to try and talk to the complainant and resolve the issue.”
He also urged the new lawyers to seek counsel from seasoned professionals and to prioritize respectful communication with clients. “You are servants to your clients, not their bosses.”