CARIBBEAN Court of Justice judge Peter Jamadar paid tribute to attorneys who have dedicated over 50 years to the legal profession. In his keynote address, he reflected on the vital role that lawyers play in society and encouraged his colleagues to envision a future where they serve not only their own ambitions but also the broader community, fostering compassion and ethical practices.
Jamadar speaking at the Law Association's annual dinner and awards ceremony, held at the Hyatt on October 11, urged attorneys to consider their purpose and the intersection of their talents with societal needs, emphasising that being called to the bar is fundamentally a call to serve.
He highlighted the importance of imagination in shaping the future of the profession, alongside knowledge rooted in past experiences. Addressing the increasing polarisation of crime within society and the legal field, he advocated for a shift away from binary thinking towards a more inclusive and compassionate approach.
His call to action also included a discussion about the harmful dynamics within the profession, stressing the necessity of treating one another and clients with kindness, saying kindness can help put an end to the surge of violence facing Trinidad and Tobago.
Jamadar asked his colleagues if they could have imagined the paths they would take when they were first called to the bar, a ritual he says signifies both individual and collective responsibility.
He noted the Legal Profession Act, particularly its code of conduct, maps the relationship between professionals and the public, reinforcing the true meaning of their call: a commitment to serve the public.
He further stressed the importance of balancing ambition with service, asserting personal success does not stop meaningful contributions to society. Through personal anecdotes, he shared moments of mentorship that shaped his career, underscoring the importance of imparting knowledge and generosity to junior attorneys, principles he says, have always been part of the legal profession.
[caption id="attachment_1114064" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Attorney Elton Prescott, SC, right, receives his award from Sanjiv Boodhu. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
As he looked to the future, Jamadar emphasised the need for a people-centric profession that prioritises the needs of clients and court users. He urged his colleagues to imagine a legal landscape where service is not just a word but an experience, where clients are treated with respect.
His address also touched on the role of technology and artificial intelligence in the legal field. Jamadar encouraged attorneys to consider how these tools could improve their practice, enhancing legal argumentation and providing better service to clients.
While recognising the efforts of the Law Association in promoting professional development and outreach, Jamadar challenged his peers to reflect on the deeper truths of society, particularly the cultures of violence that permeate the legal system.
He posed questions about the s
