After considering the future of law and the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession at last year’s conference, the Mauritius Bar Association (MBA) invites members of the legal profession to a session of introspection to reassess the ecosystem in which barristers evolve.
Recognizing the need to continually call into question its role within society, the Mauritius Bar Association (MBA) will host its annual conference on Friday 29th of November 2024 at the InterContinental Resort in Balaclava. Centered on the theme “Rethinking Society and the Legal Profession”, the event will convene legal practitioners to engage in discussions about therealities of the modern legal practice within the Mauritian society..
“Barristers play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens. As our society continues to evolve, it is critical that we engage in an exchange of ideas about the profession’s responsibilities and its ability to adapt to new realities. Those forward-looking discussions about our changing role are vital,” said Nandkishore Ramburn SC, Chair of the Mauritius Bar Association. “The breakneck pace of societal, technological and environmental change has profound implications for the administration of justice and the rule of law. This year’s conference provides an important platform for us to reflect on our role and identify ways to strengthen the administration of justice in Mauritius. The MBA is providing its members with an opportunity to collectively chart a strategic path forward – one that strengthens public trust, champions the rights of all citizens, and positions the legal profession as a driving force for positive transformation in our country.”
The Mauritius Bar Association would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all its generous sponsors without whose support this conference would not have been possible, in particular Currimjee Jeewanjee and Co Ltd, Absa Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, Aegle Cancer Hospital, Bamyris Ltd and the many others whose names are not mentioned here but who have also helped for this event to happen. Our co-host, the IJLS, has spared no effort in helping us put this event together and has graciously agreed to allocate six CPD hours, including 2 for ethics, for all attendees and participants.
The one-day conference will feature one keynote speech and three in-depth panel discussions. The first panel will focus on “Constitutional Reform – 56 Years On.” Confronting a constitutional framework that has endured for over five decades, this panel will examine the imperative for a reform to adapt the living instrument which is the supreme law of the country to the evolving societal realities.
The second panel is themed “Social Media, Publicity and Barristers”. As barristers increasingly leverage online platforms for networking and communication, this panel will grapple with the ethical quandaries that arise. Panelists will assess when an individual barrister’s digital persona may come into conflict with their professional obligations, and consider how regulatory frameworks can adapt to this new reality.
The third panel will focus on the following theme : “The Barrister within the Machinery of Justice”. Drawing on the landmark 1998 Mackay Report, this panel will take a critical look at the persistent challenges facing Mauritius’ justice system and the interaction between the barrister and other actors in the legal system.
Complementing the robust panel discussions, the conference will feature a keynote address by renowned speaker Douglas Kruger. A multi-award-winning author and Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, Kruger is globally renowned for his insights on leadership, productivity and wealth creation. His thought-provoking perspectives are certain to inspire and challenge the assembled barristers.
The conference will culminate in a dinner where the MBA will honor the distinguished barristers who have reached the milestone of 50 years at the Mauritian Bar. “These distinguished members have witnessed and actively participated in the transformation of our profession since independence and have weathered its many facets” notes Nandkishore Ramburn SC, Chair of the Mauritius Bar Association. “Their unwavering dedication over five decades has helped build the foundations of justice in Mauritius. This celebration is our way of acknowledging their extraordinary legacy and expressing our profound gratitude for their service to the profession.”
About the Mauritius Bar Association
The Mauritius Bar Association is the professional body for barristers in Mauritius, representing around 1,000 members in private practice, in-house roles, and as state counsel. Established in 1957 under the Mauritius Bar Association Act, the MBA’s mission is to safeguard the interests of the legal profession, uphold its honour and independence, and improve the administration of justice in the country.
