Newly admitted attorney-at-law Jamal Duff, who hopes to someday work with the Environmental Protection Agency in the area of Environmental Law, had his petition successfully presented to Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire on Wednesday.
Presenting on Duff’s behalf were attorneys-at-law Ronald Burch-Smith and Mark Waldron at the Supreme Court. Chief Justice George-Wiltshire, in her admission remarks, stated that she was familiar with the young attorney’s family through mutual friendship and took the opportunity to congratulate the new member’s family on his success. The Chief Justice noted that Duff’s Curriculum Vitae states that he is ambitious, dedicated and self-motivated. These values are expected to be practiced and be committed to during his years within the profession, the Chief Justice advised. She also informed the new member of the bar that while the temptation to be lackadaisical and follow the crowd will be easy, he must remain dedicated; he was also advised to be honest and respectful as he carries out his work.
Duff thanked the Chief Justice for accepting his petition and attorneys, Burch-Smith and Waldron, for presenting on his behalf. In his remarks directed to the Chief Justice, Duff stated that it was an honour to stand before her as the newest member of the bar. He thanked the judge for the advice given which he noted to be invaluable and assured Chief Justice George-Wiltshire that he intends to remain faithful to her advice throughout his career. Immediately after his admission, Duff speaking to reporters, disclosed that the decision to pursue law and his eventual journey to the bar occurred in his final year at high school. He credits his teacher, Claire Maison as the one who really motivated him to a career in law. After Maison’s encouraging support, and his eventual transition to law, Duff stated that he hopes to one day return to his original passion – psychology.
But discussing the path to law school with reporters and his experiences during those periods of study, Duff was infused with gratitude in what he described as very challenging circumstances but noted that there were fond memories as well.
“My journey to the bar was not easy” Duff stated, “It included late nights, sometimes no sleep at all and so many other sacrifices”. Duff cited the current COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in one of the major challenges he had to endure. One specific example, according to Duff, was having to be away from home for long periods and then, after being able to return, he was forced to confine himself. The latter, he said, made him too comfortable and he began to experience reduced motivation to study and complete tasks.
Asked why international environmental law, Duff disclosed that was his focal area in law school and admitted that this decision was credited to the growing local oil industry and the possible repercussions that that industry will have on the environment. Duff advised persons who are interested in the area of law that “it is tough but you could do it if you dedicate yourself and put in the work. You can do it. It’s hard work and late nights”.
