Lawyers get continuing education

Shernett Robinson, Gleaner Writer

The Jamaican Bar Association hosted its Continuing Legal Education Week seminar under the theme 'Cheat, Prey, Shove' at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios from June 15-16. The main purpose, according to Bar Association president, Ian Wilkinson, was for its members to keep abreast of the activities in the legal profession. The practical content of the seminar, he said, underscored the importance of continuing education in the legal profession.

Under the auspices of the General Legal Council, since 2013, it has become mandatory for members of the profession to have continuous training to ensure that the high standard which is the hallmark of the legal profession is maintained. Presenters included representatives of the Administrator General's Department and others from the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

Presenters Andrew Gyles and Jacqueline Wilcott, from the Administrator General's Department, walked the attorneys through the processes at the department in handling probate matters. Gyles revealed that currently the department was handling more than 8,000 estates, with a completion rate of 400 per year. The department has only 24 case workers to service the number of matters before it. Deputy registrars Nicole Walters-Wellington and Meisha-Ann Kelly had an attentive audience who were able to better understand the operations and challenges of the Office of the Registrar. The representatives from both entities fielded questions from the audience and were able to clarify issues of concern to the lawyers.

Highlight of the day

Perhaps the highlight of the day's activities was the afternoon session where the theme of the seminar 'Cheat, Prey, Shove' was explored in depth. Lawyers were reminded of the code of ethics that governed the profession, and the expectations, especially among young lawyers. Moderator Alan Wood, QC, reminded the older members of the profession that they were duty bound to provide guidance to the newer members, both by conduct and mentorship.

Presenters Dr Shazeeda Ali, Janet Morrison and Senator Alexander Williams explored each area of the theme, respectively, using the Canons of the Legal Profession and the Legal Profession Act as reference. They challenged the lawyers not to forget their role as guardians of the society, because a higher standard was expected of them than many other professionals.

The two-day seminar ended on Sunday with the themes 'Identity Theft and Fraud in Land Transactions', 'Case Management in Criminal Cases', and 'Criminal and Civil Evidence - the Hearsay Rule: Reassessing the Grapevine' being explored by experts in field.

Chief Justice Zaila McCalla, was a special guest for the two days of the seminar. The Jamaican Bar Association is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

shernett.robinson@gleanerjm.com