In “Lawyers”, Justice Oagile Bethuel Key Dingake explores the professional ethics, court etiquette, and responsibilities of lawyers across various legal systems. Here are 7 critical lessons from this insightful read:
- Promote and Defend Client Interests, But Never Submit to Authority
A lawyer must advocate for their client’s best interests while maintaining their professional integrity, regardless of any pressure from authorities, including judges. - Respectful Discourse Between Lawyers
Lawyers should argue with respect, never allowing emotions to cloud their judgment. The focus should be on legal arguments, not personal feelings. - Maintain Integrity and Avoid Dishonesty
Lawyers must uphold their integrity and avoid any conduct that may cast doubt on their ability to practice law ethically. - Only Take Cases You’re Qualified For
Lawyers should only take on cases within their expertise and avoid those that are beyond their skill level. - Reputation is Key to Career Success
Upholding professional conduct builds reputation and helps avoid career-damaging mistakes, benefiting lawyers in the long run. - Respect for Seniority in Legal Proceedings
Seniority in the profession should be respected, with senior lawyers arguing first to honor their experience and contribution to legal proceedings. - A Lawyer is Not a Hired Gun
Lawyers must communicate to clients that they are officers of the court, not just hired advocates. They have a duty to act ethically and lawfully, refusing unethical instructions.
About the Author – Justice Oagile Bethuel Key Dingake
Justice Oagile Bethuel Key Dingake is a distinguished judge and scholar with an exceptional global legal career. He is the first African appointed as a Justice of the Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and has served as a judge in the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL), appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General. He was also appointed to the Seychelles Court of Appeal in 2020.
Judge Dingake is a former judge of the High Court and Industrial Court of Botswana, as well as a law professor at the University of Botswana. He has also served as a visiting scholar at top institutions such as University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town, and Institute of Development Labour Law in Rome, Italy.
He holds a PhD in Law from the University of Cape Town, an LLM from the University of London, and an LLB from the University of Botswana. Judge Dingake has been honored as a distinguished scholar and is an Honorary Professor of Public Law at University of Cape Town, Adjunct Professor of Law at James Cook University, Australia, and Chancellor of ABM University College, Botswana.
Justice Dingake’s extensive contributions to law and human rights include being the President of the Africa Regional Judges Forum on HIV/TB, Human Rights, and the Law and Co-Chairman of the African Think Tank on HIV, Health, and Social Justice.
He has authored numerous influential legal books, including “Judges”, “Lawyers”, and “In Pursuit of Justice”, all available on Amazon.
Interested in Learning More?
These lessons offer invaluable insights into the legal profession, emphasizing ethics, professionalism, and integrity. If you’re interested in reading Lawyers and other works by Justice Dingake, feel free to DM me @kkntseane@gmail.com or @Kgopolo Ntseane on LinkedIn for more details on how to get your copy of these impactful books.
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