A poem to all in the judiciary, political, church, and
general leadership arenas
And so, you dress…
Black pants, white shirt, and a jacket to match,
Stiletto heels, a striped tie, or a well-polished Clarks.
And so, you dress…
Knowing that your mirror, at you, compliments it will spew,
But large is the back who wears the robe and all this Legal Profession calls you to do.
And so, you step…
Click! Clock! As your heels kiss the ground,
Strutting to the tune of Dignity and Honour – that must be your song.
And so, you step…
Click! Clock! Bag or suitcase in hand,
Armed with the rule of law, by justice you shall stand.
And as you journey…
The Canons, Codes of ethics, those rules become your guide,
Compass set north, straight ahead, as you navigate legal tide.
And as you journey…
Nothing less but the best of you is expected,
For to your client’s interests, your colleagues, and this Profession you are indebted.
Engraved in your mind…
That it’s neither about the glitz, nor the esteem nor the glamour,
But in every representation, every fight, a true Advocate of candour.
Engraved in your mind…
That where arrogance and touting may begin to show their heads,
Firm but meek is the Attorney; from the back of the bar table he has led.
Remember then…
That your boast silently lies in goodwill, good repute, and good character,
Not on billboards, or posters, or in your condescending comment in the local newspaper.
Remember then…
Charges and financial dealings must be reasonable and fair,
And a conflict of interest, where it arises, you must declare.
So be guided…
It’s never about you or your opinion,
But sticking by your client, with efficiency; ensuring that you follow their instruction.
So be guided…
That in every representation, respect and trust should be mutual,
And for any relationship to bear fruit, confidentiality is instrumental.
And with grace…
You step into the arena where judge and/or jury is king,
As you revere and respect; for great is the hand of justice they partake in.
And with grace…
Your language would be one of esteem, advocating in humble admiration,
Integrity and Equity must be your source of satisfaction.
Never…
let bribes, deceit, or misrepresentation be uttered in your description,
But let all testify through your clients, colleagues and superiors; that fair and honest game is your very definition.
Never…
forget your true disposition as an officer of the court,
And anything else to the contrary…that mission? You must abort!
For large is the back that wears the robe,
and the shoes of justice; the streets he has trod.
Greater is the impact where the rod is spared,
And the core of this legal Profession forever smeared.
For large is the back that wears the robe,
and the shoes of justice; the streets he has trod.
Not a question of if nor but nor maybe,
Beckon to the call of ethics, that’s how it shall be.
Fastened to the anchor of the Cannons firmly,
lest we wallow in the sea of misconduct – a true travesty.
©JanaeJackson
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Janane Jackson is an attorney-at-law. Contact her at [email protected]
