On December 13, eight advocates admitted to the Latvian Council of Sworn Advocates took the oath of office before the President of the Supreme Court.

The following lawyers have become sworn advocates: Pauls Ančs, Dairis Anučins, Kristīne Bogdanova, Aigars Brečs, Jevgeņijs Jarosovs, Ieva Kleinberga, Andrejs Ņikiforovs, and Zane Skļamina.

After the oath-taking, the President of the Supreme Court Aigars Strupišs reminded that the advocate is not simply a well-paid lawyer, but a professional belonging to the justice system, who when taking the office swears, first and foremost, an oath of loyalty to the law. “It is loyalty not to the client, not to the court, but first and foremost to the law.” The oath also includes a promise not to write or speak anything that could harm the state, society, family, morality, and a promise to protect the interests of one’s clients.

“Putting it all together – that will be the biggest challenge in your career,” the President of the Supreme Court told the newly appointed advocates, emphasizing that all the answers are already included in the oath. “If doubts arise in any situation, re-read the oath, consult with experienced colleagues, perhaps also with the Judicial Council, and, I hope, you will find a solution and always serve the law and the rule of law.”

To become a sworn advocate, a person having an appropriate education and work experience shall take the advocate exam. After passing the exam, if there is no information at Latvian Council of Sworn Advocates’ disposal indicating obstacles to applicant’s admission as specified in the Advocacy Law of the Republic of Latvia, the applicant is admitted to the circle of sworn advocates. In accordance with the Advocacy Law of the Republic of Latvia, the President of the Supreme Court administers the oath to newly admitted sworn advocates.

 

Information prepared by

Rasma Zvejniece, Head of the Division of Communication of the Supreme Court

E-mail: rasma.zvejniece@at.gov.lv, telephone: +371 67020396, +371 28652211