CJ Koome warns new advocates against misappropriating clients’ compensation
The Chief Justice urged lawyers to be mindful of their words, protect their reputation, and uphold the honor of the profession they have joined.
Newly admitted advocates have been warned against misappropriating clients’ compensation, with Chief Justice Martha Koome urging them to uphold integrity and professionalism in all aspects of legal practice.
Speaking during the admission of 920 new advocates on Thursday, Koome cautioned that some lawyers have enriched themselves at the expense of clients, only to face disciplinary action later.
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She highlighted that betraying the trust of clients, whether by misappropriating compensation funds, depriving widows and children of their rightful inheritance, or mishandling entrusted money, is among the greatest tragedies in the profession.
“You have been given good examples by our Solicitor General of advocates who went on to enrich themselves with clients’ money as if they are the ones injured in road traffic accidents, and then eventually they ended up being run over in the running down matters. Let none of 920 advocates here become a victim of that malpractice,” she said.
“There is no tragedy greater than advocates who betray the trust of their clients. Such conduct robs us of our value of caring for one another, what we call utu that grounds our constitutional order.”
Koome emphasised that maintaining ethical standards and client trust is essential for building a successful legal practice and for enhancing the credibility of the profession as a whole.
“Let yours be the generation that draws a firm line in the sand and brings an end to these shameful practices. If you honour your clients and manage their affairs responsibly, your practice will flourish, and the profession will gain the trust it very well deserves. I have practised law for 15 years, and I can assure you, the reputation is the only thing that you have to give to your clients. Once you serve one client well, they keep sending another and another,” she said.
The CJ also expressed concern over the rising professional misconduct by lawyers on social media, warning that it threatens the dignity and reputation of the legal profession. She noted that inappropriate online behaviour could undo years of professional effort and public trust.
“The greatest threat to the dignity of the legal profession today is not only misconduct in courtrooms, but the tone, content and behaviour some of us display online. When advocates insult judges, abuse colleagues, engage in public theatrics, or trivialise serious legal matters for entertainment or the crowd, the entire reputation and esteem of the profession is diminished,” she said.
The Chief Justice urged lawyers to be mindful of their words, protect their reputation, and uphold the honor of the profession they have joined.
“Respect for the profession is not demanded; it is earned through conduct. Let us not turn this noble profession into a laughing stock through reckless social media posts and intemperate commentary. Guard your words, guard your reputation, guard the honour of the calling you have joined today. Hold it to the highest esteem. You have worked so many years to reach where you are, and it is important to nurture and protect what you have invested in building,” she said.
She stressed that integrity in financial and client matters forms a cornerstone of professional ethics and sustainable practice.
Koome recounted that she faced pressure to limit the number of admissions, with some suggesting that only 450 of the 920 candidates be admitted to avoid online criticism. She rejected the proposal outright.
“Some people were saying that we can escape from the attacks on social media if we admit half of you, 450. I showed them the door,” she said.
She described the suggestion as unjust, undermining the years of study, examinations, and professional training the candidates had undergone.
“These are our children. They have gone to school for so many years. I can’t imagine being taught, tested, examined, and certified, then I hold them back from admission simply because we fear social media,” Koome said.
Her stance ensured that all 920 candidates were admitted, an act she described as a moral duty and an affirmation of the judiciary’s independence. She encouraged the new advocates to stand firm in their careers, making decisions aligned with justice rather than convenience.
Koome also empasised that the challenge for the legal profession lies not in the number of entrants but in ensuring ethical and competent practice. She revealed that no advocate has been struck off the roll during her tenure and that the new cohort would not change that.
“I have not been brought any to strike off the roll, and we are not just going to begin now with the 920,” she said.
She called for mentorship, humility, and dedication, reminding the advocates that their success brings honour not only to themselves but also to their families, communities, and the broader justice system.
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