1997 Gazette: Attorneys need to apply for silk

Attorneys-at-law must apply for silk. This is according to an extraordinary issue of the Trinidad and Tobago Gazette, dated October 10, 1997. Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, responding to a question from Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley in Parliament last Friday, said: “Silk has traditionally been awarded to persons who hold high public office in this country. Such persons have never been required to submit an application.” Asked again if the PM, who was among 16 people who were awarded silk last December, had applied for it, Ramlogan said: “I have answered that question already by pointing out that since independence (1962), in this country, silk has traditionally been required to high public-office holders. “None of them have been required to submit an application because the silk is awarded, ex officio, and by virtue of their record of distinguished public service.” 

 

The Gazette outlined the requirements for the appointment of senior counsel:

Attorneys-at-law who wish to be considered for appointment as Senior Counsel are requested to submit their applications to the Attorney General by the 7th day of November, 1997, pursuant to the provisions of Order No 282 published in the Trinidad and Tobago gazette (Extraordinary), Vol No 18 on 15th February, 1964. 

 

Applications are expected to meet the following requirements: 

(a) Professional eminence and distinction which establish them as leaders of their profession; 

 

(b) sound intellectual ability and a thorough, comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of law and practice in the fields in which they practise; 

 

(c) outstanding ability as an advocate in the higher courts; 

 

(d) the highest professional standing, having gained the respect of the Bench and the profession in observing the advocate’s duty to the court and to the administration of justice while presenting their clients’ case and being  formidable, fair and honourable as an opponent; 

 

(e) total professional integrity; 

 

(f) maturity of judgement and balance; and 

 

(g) a high-quality practice with at least 10 years’ experience and one based on demanding case which allow the full measure of the above qualities to be demonstrated. (RL)