Young advocates are set to benefit from a mentorship program launched by the Judiciary in partnership with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The Young Advocates Mentorship program according to Kenya News Agency reports is set to equip the advocates with advanced skills.
A pilot program will run for one year, during which necessary changes will be made to ensure its effectiveness.
Interested persons are expected to pay Ksh 30,000 per the brief.
Speaking during the launch Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome stated that the program will contain two components. The first component, the structure shall be designed and executed by the judiciary and the LSK.
Koome noted that during this component, young advocates shall practice pro bono work through a pro bono legal age scheme.
The second component shall address the skills and knowledge gap of young lawyers.
“We will be relying on senior counsel to mentor young lawyers,” said Koome.
The CJ ascertained that through mentorship, young advocates will gain experience, be able to represent clients, and learn how to be efficient in their practice.
She urged legal stakeholders to support the initiative in nurturing the next generation of legal practitioners.
“Investment in our future is a testament to our commitment to social justice,” said Koome.
The president of the Law Society of Kenya, Eric Theuri highlighted the challenges young lawyers face as, competition for jobs and poor pay.
He called on the judiciary to have wholehearted devotion and commitment toward upgrading the skills of young legal practitioners.
“The efficiency of the judiciary largely depends on the bar,” stated Theuri.
Theuri cautioned young advocates to keep up with the changing tides of globalization noting that with the advancement of technology, young lawyers are at a cutting edge when they harness technology.
Echoing the CJ’s comments, senior Council Philip Murgor said that young lawyers need both mentorship and jobs.
SOURCE: KNA