By- Audrey Raymonda John

Lawyer ABD John has stated in an open court that senior lawyers are using seniority to disrespect their juniors.

Lawyer John made that statement when Lawyer Sydney Campbell rose from the Bar and instructed him to sit down for him to mention his matter.

Battling before presiding Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No.1, Lawyer ADB John said the court is not a “banana republic.”

He said Senior Legal Practitioners should show some respect when addressing them, adding that some of the Senior Lawyers are using their too long stay in the Bar as a means to disrespect them as Junior Lawyers.

Speaking fiercely and clearly, Lawyer ADB John said he has been too patient doing things at the Bar in peace but what the ‘seniors’ are doing is beyond their expectations.

Lawyer Campbell said the importance and impact of the legal profession in every enlightened society cannot be overstressed.

“The court system is predominantly passionate about seniority and the Bar is the medium of accentuating the fundamental element of seniority,” Lawyer Campbell stated.

Coming between them to quell the tension, Magistrate Sahr Kekura said litigant come and go, but said lawyers should not make their matter bring dispute between them and their colleagues.

Magistrate Sahr Kekura further admonished both Lawyers to be patient when dealing with matters concerning litigants and should know that Junior Legal Practitioners are around and are learning from them.

Magistrate Sahr Kekura in continuation of admonishing them said seniority in law is not by age but by calling.

“Respect and greetings are basically reciprocal,” he told them.

Magistrate Sahr Kekura settled the encounter and adjourned the matter.