The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has urged its members to go beyond people’s expectations when commenting on issues bordering on the law in the media.
MLS president John Suzi-Banda said this when he opened a Trial Advocacy Training in Blantyre on Friday, stressing that, rather, members should pursue more continuous professional development as it is one of the roles MLS has to play in their professional lives.
He said although it focuses mainly on a lawyer’s ability to recognise, appreciate and apply their 10 principles of persuasion within the courtroom, trial advocacy easily transfers to the broad spectrum of legal fora in which lawyers practice.
Said Suzi-Banda: “Just like in any other profession, we noted gaps in ours. Our profession is quite young; there are a lot of young lawyers out there and the good thing is we have around us experienced senior counsels [SC] who are very accomplished trial advocates.
“And if we have these people to train our members in how to deliver our duties and conduct our cases, I think it is going to smoothen the process of justice delivery in the country.”
Private practice lawyer Davis Njobvu, presenting on preparation for trial, said it is important for lawyers to relax and have fun during trial and treat the court and the witnesses with utmost respect while helping their client to present their case in the best possible manner.
He added that it is also important for lawyers to make sure that they have all files, statements, books, case authorities, documents and materials at the trial to avoid unnecessary last-minute hustles and distractions.
Other presenters at the training, which brought together lawyers practising in different fields, included Modecai Msisha SC and Patrick Mpaka.
