Fifty-eight Gambian lawyers were called to the bar after successfully completing their legal studies at the Gambia Law School.

The lawyers were inducted in a pomp-filled ceremony yesterday at the law courts complex in Banjul.

The Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, implored the new lawyers to be upright and to serve the interest of the people.

He urged the young lawyers to demonstrate good conduct and character in their work adding that ‘integrity and good character are of paramount importance in the legal profession.’

Jallow commended the staff of the school for their dedication in ensuring that the new lawyers met the highest standard of international recognition.

He said yesterday’s event marked 146th anniversary of the bar in the country, noting that the profession was a noble one which required hard work, dedication and honesty.   

“Hard work and honesty have honourable rewards which you must demonstrate as a lawyer and you have a life time continuous learning ahead of you. Let me remind you as young graduates, this profession is not for selfish people and dishonest people.”

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubacarr Tambadou, also expressed similar sentiments. He admonished the inductees to uphold the rule of law and justice.

 Certificates were presented to the graduates by Ousainou A. Darboe, the vice-president and ministers for women affairs, and the attorney general and minister of Justice, Abubacarr Tambadou.

The top graduates were granted prizes and awards.

Kumba Mboge, who delivered the vote of thanks, was named the most outstanding student and she received the President’ Prize. She also received the Law of Evidence Prize and the Advocacy Skills Prize sponsored by Attorney General and Minister of Justice and The Gambia Bar Association respectively.

Fatou M. Jawo received the Chief Justice sponsored Prize for professional conduct, Sulayman Sunbundum received the Criminal Procedure prize sponsored by the A.A.B. Gaye and Co, Mamadu Saidou Bah received the Company law prize sponsored by Pa Edi Faal, whilst Fatou Ibrahim Darboe received the English and Legislative Prize sponsored by Solie Law Chambers, Ndey Ngoneh Jeng received the Legal Drafting Prize sponsored by Amie N. Bensouda and Bekai Saidy received the Civil Procedure Prize sponsored by Mrs. Rachel Mendy.

 The ceremony marked the seventh call to the bar since The Gambia Law School was established in 2012.