The profession of advocacy is largely a conservative and noble one. There are certain practices and usages therein that are as old as time itself. Though receptive to some innovations with the passage of time, some things are better left unchanged such as the cardinal principle of seniority.<br>
Seniority is an auto-regulatory mechanism put in place to ensure order and
decorum at all times material whenever colleagues converge. In fact, the French translation for Bar Association says it all “ordre des avocats” as the opposite of order is disorder hence there would be total chaos.
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The day you are sworn in as an Advocate is your date of birth in that particular Bar Association which automatically places you at a unique position within the ranks of your fellow colleagues. Now, as the days, weeks, months, and years go by, the green wig would suddenly discover how slowly but surely he or she is becoming a senior to younger colleagues. That’s just the magic of time at work.
Just as Senior Barrister EBAH NTOKO Justice would always put it “Seniority is sacrosanct” just to stress its value and importance so as not to be interfered with. This very sacrosanct principle could be likened to a summarization of ethical conduct vis-à-vis fellow colleagues.
<br>It therefore goes without saying that green wigs must consciously seek to know their seniors not only by name, face, office name/address but also by their various years of call. This is a sign of love for the profession which would equally save you from possible embarrassment, especially in court.
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The simple truth is, to guarantee strict respect for the rule of seniority, humility is strongly required from each and every one amongst us. By its liberal nature, the profession of Advocacy opens its doors to all classes of persons without distinction as to social class or status. Once one becomes a Lawyer, there is that tendency to carry oneself with an aura of know-it-all and this is anathema to learning which in itself is the livewire of a successful legal career.
Lawyers learn from seniors and juniors alike on a daily basis and it takes a humble spirit to do so. Granted that there may be a few extremely brilliant Advocates, no single Advocate has a mastery of every branch of the law. That’s why we must let go of pride and develop a teachable spirit always eager to learn as well.
“As for me, all I know is that I know nothing” – Socrates