President George Abela this morning stressed the importance for those who were about to graduate as lawyers to familiarise themselves with the Court building and practices.

Addressing a Junior Chamber of Advocates introductory seminar, aimed at setting up the Junior Chamber, President Abela, himself a lawyer, said it was also important to be around other established lawyers.

Dr Abela said it was important to go to the court rooms and listen to adjudicators and people who worked in court and to start this early.

“We have to have a solid base in law and knowledge of it and of how to research it and to study it.

“It is important to then apply that knowledge to the case without a lot of shenanigans and keep to the point concisely.

“Being in this building and going through this mangle builds character,” he said.

Dr Abela warned the young men and women that it took time to build a good reputation but only a few moments to destroy it.

“While chances are given to criminals, they are not given to professionals,” he said.

Dr Abela, who chairs the Commission for the Administration of Justice, said the commission received a lot of complaints but many were not justified.

"You will find that in every aspect of life wherever you turn you will end up going to a lawyer," he said.

Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri said that when one was given a warrant, one did not just become a lawyer but became a member of a community.

Being a professional, he said, did not mean lots of money but higher standards.

Lawyers in ancient Greece, he said, did not get paid but spoke up for those who did not have a voice.

He said he dreamt of a time when lawyers would give some of their services for free in a structured way.

His advice was for lawyers to live ethically and keep their conscience clean and clear.

"You cannot hide and run from yourself," he said.