With his recent admission to the bar, new attorney Hugh Park is on a path towards fulfilling what he believes is his purpose in life: service to others.
“As an individual, I believe that my primary purpose in life is to be of service to others. I do believe that being qualified in the legal field builds upon my other academic and non-academic achievements which cumulatively, sets the appropriate foundation for me to be able to fulfill this purpose in a well-rounded manner,” Park explained when asked what inspired him to become a lawyer.
After receiving a Legal Education Certificate at the Hugh Wooding Law School this year, he was admitted to the bar on October 14, 2021 before Justice Brassington Reynolds. His petition was presented by attorney Marcel Bobb, whom he has known from his time as a student at President’s College.
“While I was filled with joy on this occasion, it was a very humbling experience to be inducted into the legal fraternity,” said Park, who initially faced a challenge in getting admitted to the law programme at the University of Guyana.
Park explained that he had applied for the programme in 2013 but was not selected to be part of the batch of students at the time As a result, he pursued a post-graduate diploma in International Relations in order to give himself a “competitive edge” when he reapplied. He reapplied in 2016 and he was accepted and he admits now that the programme proved very demanding. “As the old adage goes, ‘law is a jealous mistress’. It took a lot of sacrifice, particularly as it relates to time. It required long hours of research, late nights of studying and long days of tutoring. There were inward challenges of dealing with self-doubt and wanting to quit all together. Overall, the experience was memorable because I learnt a lot along the way, not only as it relates to academics, but also about myself and others,” he said.
Having completed his studies and being admitted to the bar, Park says he plans to join an organisation that would facilitate him fulfilling his personal goals of effecting positive social change. “Apart from this, I intend to give of myself in whatever meaningful way I can to those that are less fortunate.”
Park, who is a married father of four, thanked his wife, Dr Maxine Park, for her support during his journey, as well as his mother, siblings, grandmother and others who have supported him.
