New lawyer commits to helping others, upholding the rule of law

“Through hard work, perseverance, and a faith in God, you can live your dreams.” That is the motivational chant of Guyana’s newest Attorney-at-law Aliyyah Abdul Kadir. This former Queen’s College student was admitted to practise law in, and before the courts of Guyana on Thursday, October 28.

Her petition was presented by Attorney-at-law Dexter Todd before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the High Court in Georgetown. In presenting the young woman’s petition, Todd described her as an outstanding individual who has performed exceptionally well in academia and extracurricular activities.

In 2014, Kadir,  the Queen’s College student attained 15 Grade One passes at the CSEC and copped the regional award for Most Outstanding in Humanities. She then went on to sixth form where she wrote CAPE and was awarded an Associates Degree in Humanities.

Kadir who resides at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown earned herself a scholarship to attend the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). She then enrolled at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) from where she graduated this year with her Legal Education Certificate (LEC)- a requirement to practise law in Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Her performance at law school was outstanding and she cemented a place for herself on the HWLS Principal’s Honour Roll.  “Her performance at the Hugh Wooding Law School was indeed outstanding, as she was able to be placed on the Principal’s Honour Roll. During her first year at the Hugh Wooding Law School, she obtained prizes for best performer in Civil Procedure and Practice I,” Todd told the court.

Todd added, “This young lady is ambitious. Very soon she will pursue her Masters of Law. This young lady is most qualified to stand before any court, not only competently as a trained legal person, but she holds the character that I believe will support any good standing in this noble profession.”

Justice Morris-Ramlall advised Kadir, “As you embark on this new chapter, I encourage you to hold still to the ethics you were exposed to at law school; they were not just for academic purposes. Be always mindful of your obligations to the Bench, your colleagues at the Bar, your clients, and other members of society. Your interactions and conduct determine what reputation you will craft for yourself. A good reputation is a key instrument in an attorney’s toolkit; without it, the other tools have minimum values…”

The High Court Judge urged the young lawyer to find a mentor but at the same time cautioned her to choose wisely and to be careful who she emulates. She urged Kadir to reach beyond the skies and went on to wish her a fulfilling and successful career in the practise of the law. The Justice expressed that while it always brings her joy to admit new lawyers, Kadir’s admission brings her much pride since she has ties to her birthplace of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Meanwhile, Kadir, in brief remarks committed to upholding the laws of Guyana and the rule of law. She promised to conduct herself in a manner that is in keeping with the profession and ethical obligations.

“I vow to discharge my duties to the court, to my clients, and my colleagues and members of the public with dignity and integrity, and most certainly to be kind and respectful. But most importantly, I vow to help others to the best of my ability.” The new lawyer firstly credits her success to God Almighty.

Moreover, she extended gratitude to her family and friends. In concluding, Kadir added, “My academic journey does not end here. Just as I was able to excel in my legal studies, I undertake to employ the same work ethic in my legal career,” the young lawyer noted.

“It is absolutely still possible to make a difference,” she said as she quoted former First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama.

During her time at law school, she was the Vice President of the HWLS Muslim Students’ Association. She also served as an executive member of the Guyana Students’ Association in Trinidad and Tobago.