By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Global University Systems recently hosted a pivotal roundtable discussion in Mauritius, aimed at fostering collaboration in legal education between the esteemed University of Law in the UK and key stakeholders within the Mauritian legal sector. Titled “Forging the Future Together: The Collaboration in Legal Education between UK and Mauritius,” the event provided a unique platform for deepening ties and exchanging knowledge between the two nations’ legal education systems.
Representatives from the University of Law visited Mauritius to engage in a series of productive meetings with legal practitioners, academic institutions, and government officials. These discussions explored potential areas of collaboration and highlighted the shared commitment to fostering excellence in legal education.
Central to this initiative was a captivating roundtable discussion that delved into the possibilities of collaboration in legal education. This forum facilitated knowledge exchange and connections among leading legal professionals from the UK and Mauritius. The distinguished panel of guest speakers brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the table:
- Beverley Dawes: Head of Bar Practice Course, The University of Law
- Priscilla Balgobin Bhoyrul: Senior Partner, Dentons Mauritius, Ex-President of the Bar Council
- Natasha Behary Paray: Barrister-at-Law, The Bar Council Representative
- Moderator: Yahia Nazroo: Barrister-at-Law, Head of Dispute Resolution, Appleby
Following the opening remarks, the roundtable discussion commenced, guided by the insightful moderation of Yahia Nazroo. The conversation began with Beverley Dawes acknowledging her role as the potentially youngest panel member. She highlighted the unique perspective she brings through her experience with offshore qualifications obtained a decade ago, expressing her willingness to share these insights.
Nazroo then skilfully structured the discussion around the crucial topic of pathways to becoming a barrister. He emphasised the various elements involved, including the necessary studies, professional courses, and continuous training required under Mauritian law. Nazroo also shared his personal journey, transitioning from studying English and Literature at the University of Mauritius to pursuing law in the UK. This personal anecdote served as a powerful illustration of the diverse routes available for aspiring legal professionals.
Beverley Dawes then delved into the specific process of legal training in the UK. She detailed the qualifications needed to join a bar course, such as an LLB or a conversion course like the GDL or PGDL. Dawes emphasised the demanding nature of bar training, explaining the high entry requirements set by institutions like the University of Law to ensure students can handle the course’s challenges. She also clarified the recent name changes in bar courses due to regulatory reforms aimed at improving accessibility, affordability, flexibility, while maintaining high standards. Dawes provided a comprehensive overview of the current bar practice course, outlining its knowledge and skills areas, alongside the mandatory qualifying sessions at the Inns of Court. She concluded by discussing the options available to qualified barristers, including seeking pupillage in the UK or returning to their home country for further training, such as the one-year pupillage in Mauritius, followed by eligibility for practice.
The discussion then transitioned to a lively exchange focused on the practical aspects of legal training. Nazroo inquired about the practical applications emphasised in the bar course compared to the more academic nature of the LLB. Seeking advice for LLB graduates transitioning to the PGDL, Dawes emphasised the vocational nature of the bar course, focusing on practical skills rather than pure legal instruction. She discussed the highly regarded advocacy program at the University of Law, which incorporates workshops and assessments covering various advocacy techniques. These sessions are all conducted in small groups with personalised feedback, ensuring each student receives tailored guidance. Dawes also stressed the importance of gaining work experience to truly understand the realities of the legal profession and the application of legal knowledge in practical scenarios.
Following these insights from Dawes, Nazroo turned his attention to Priscilla Balgobin Bhoyrul. Bhoyrul a highly respected senior partner at Dentons Mauritius and former President of the Bar Council, shared her positive experience with the bar course, highlighting its practical relevance and tailored approach in comparison to her LLB degree. She elaborated on how the skills acquired during the bar course, such as advocacy, conference skills, and opinion writing, have proven invaluable throughout her career as a corporate lawyer. Bhoyrul emphasised the ongoing relevance of the training even years later, underscoring its lasting impact on her professional development. She also touched on the increasingly important role of mediation in contemporary legal practice, and how her bar course training effectively prepared her for this aspect of the profession.
The conversation then shifted to explore the experiences of barristers working in litigation. Nazroo directed the conversation towards Natasha Behary Paray, who shared valuable insights from her experience working in the litigation department at MS. Africa. Paray emphasised the practical skills gained during her bar course in the UK, highlighting how this training has directly translated into her ability to provide practical advice to clients in Mauritius.
Paray continued by highlighting the significant transition from the theoretical focus on substantive law during the LLB to the practical realities of facing real clients as a lawyer. She emphasized the importance of being prepared to handle client cases effectively, particularly in the fast-paced environment of litigation. Paray delivered a powerful statement summarising the value of the bar course: “The first thing that the bar course did was to hand us several briefs…and this is where you understand that was preparation.” This practical exposure provided her with the tools to navigate real-world legal scenarios with confidence. She also emphasised the value of being able to draft clear and concise opinions that address the specific needs of clients, emphasising the importance of tailoring legal advice to individual circumstances. Paray highlighted that this skill was honed through focused training during the bar course.
Nazroo then skilfully navigated the discussion towards the challenges faced by newly qualified practitioners in the initial years of practice. He inquired about the support offered by the University of Law to assist barristers during this crucial period. Beverley Dawes acknowledged the vital role of continuous professional development (CPD) for legal practitioners, both in the UK and Mauritius. She highlighted the mandatory requirement for CPD in Mauritius, including training in professional ethics. Dawes expressed the University of Law’s keen interest in offering tailored CPD courses to address specific needs identified during their visit to Mauritius. These courses could focus on areas such as enhanced advocacy training and bespoke legal content relevant to the Mauritian legal context. The aim would be to support both newly qualified and experienced practitioners in their ongoing professional development journey.
The roundtable discussion then delved into the broader theme of collaboration between educational institutions and legal practitioners. In summary, the contributions from Paray and Dawes underscored the importance of such collaboration. Their insights highlighted the value of fostering a close working relationship between universities and legal professionals to ensure legal education remains current and effectively prepares graduates for the evolving demands of the legal field.
The discussion then shifted focus to explore the role of continuous professional development (CPD) beyond the realm of barristers. Nazroo directed a question to Bhoyrul, prompting her to reflect on the value of CPD courses, particularly in light of her prior experience working with the NHS (National Health Service). Bhoyrul acknowledged the significant role played by the Institute of Legal Studies (IGLS) in Mauritius, which has been providing accessible CPD opportunities since 2012. She commended the institute’s diverse range of speakers and topics covered in their courses. However, Bhoyrul also noted limitations in catering to individual interests and specialized areas within the legal profession. She emphasised the need for a broader scope of training beyond core legal topics. Bhoyrul cited examples such as women’s human rights and leadership courses as valuable additions to support well-rounded professional development. She stressed the growing importance of acquiring managerial and technological skills, especially considering the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of legal practice. Bhoyrul’s insights into the future of the legal profession underscored the necessity for adaptable skillsets to address emerging legal challenges and effectively navigate the ever-changing needs of clients.
In response to Dawes’ addition to the discussion about technological advancements in the UK court system, Paray shared her experiences navigating technology within the Mauritian legal context. Paray highlighted the rapid transition to virtual hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discussed the challenges faced and the progress made in adopting digital solutions for court proceedings. Paray shared her involvement in cases conducted remotely with the Privy Council, highlighting the practical implications of relying on electronic briefs versus physical copies. She also recounted her innovative use of technology during court proceedings, demonstrating the importance of adaptability and digital literacy in the modern legal profession. Paray’s insights illuminated the ongoing efforts to integrate technology into the Mauritian legal system while acknowledging the practical challenges faced by legal practitioners in this transition.
The discussion then delved into the crucial role of continuous professional development (CPD) for all sectors of the legal profession. Nazroo raised a pertinent point regarding the necessity for ongoing training not only among barristers but also among judges and magistrates. Highlighting a perceived gap in specialised training for the judiciary in Mauritius, he directed his inquiry to Dawes, seeking insights into potential specialist training opportunities offered by the University of Law. In response, Dawes emphasised the extensive expertise available within the institution, comprising lecturers, practitioners, and judges across various legal domains. Leveraging this wealth of knowledge, the University of Law could provide tailored training programs for judges and magistrates in diverse areas, including technological advancements, practical skills for courtroom efficiency, and navigating the complexities of contemporary legal issues. Dawes underscored the institution’s readiness to deliver specialised training both online and in-person, drawing from real-world requirements.
