Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard presented the warrants to 104 new lawyers and 2 legal prosecutors after they demonstrated their competence to practice in the legal profession. 

In a ceremony at the Auberge d’Aragon, Minister Attard congratulated the new lawyers and legal prosecutors, thanking them for choosing a profession that will continue to strengthen justice in our country with their skills and knowledge. 

“The reinforcement of justice in our country is the aspect that unites us all. At a time when you find yourselves here, you will be entering a new and significant phase in a sector undergoing unprecedented reforms,” Minister Attard exclaimed, listing a number of reforms the government is working on. 

During his intervention, the minister explained what led to the unacceptable and unnecessary delay in the warrant-granting process. He announced that the ministry will be proposing legal amendments, among other things, to establish a fair timeline for the fit and proper process by the Committee of Lawyers and Legal Prosecutors, a mechanism to block cases that do not meet the established guidelines and questionnaire related to the process, as well as amendments to streamline the process and procedure. 

“We cannot accept a situation where someone aspiring to practice as a lawyer or legal prosecutor faces an unacceptable situation that these professionals have found themselves in,” Minister Attard stated, while also urging the new professionals not to be swayed by those who, in the profession, resist change with the excuse that things have always been done a certain way. 

The ceremony was also addressed by Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, Dr. Peter Fenech on behalf of the Chamber of Advocates, and PL Gerald Bonello on behalf of the Chamber of Legal Prosecutors. Present at this ceremony were also Attorney General Dr. Victoria Buttigieg, Permanent Secretary Johan Galea, the administration of the Court Services Agency, as well as representatives from the Chamber of Advocates.

#MaltaDaily