PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE AND THE REFORM OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR In times of reform, the justice sector continues to strengthen with more lawyers and legal prosecutors

The Minister for Justice and Reform in the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, presented warrants to 17 new lawyers and legal prosecutors after they demonstrated their competence to practice the legal profession.

While congratulating these new legal professionals, the minister emphasised that the process leading to the granting of warrants is distinct from the ministry, but as a ministry, they offer all necessary assistance to the Committee of Lawyers and Legal Prosecutors to enable them to carry out their functions efficiently and ensure that the process does not take longer than necessary.

“I assure you that we, like yourselves, have been waiting for this moment, not only because we take pleasure in celebrating your success but also because we recognise the need for more professionals in the justice sector," Minister Attard said to those present at the ceremony.

In this regard, he mentioned the unprecedented level of investment in human resources being made across all justice institutions in the country. This investment is complemented by significant legislative reforms, the latest of which is related to magisterial inquiries.

He stressed that reforms in the justice sector are never easy, but the government is determined to continue implementing important and necessary reforms in the sector. In this context, he referred to other reforms that will soon be moving to the legislative process in Parliament, including those related to the compilation of evidence stage and a draft law aimed at establishing a specialised Commercial Court.

Minister Attard also highlighted the ongoing work to evaluate over 70 submissions resulting from public consultation, which will serve as a basis for legislative amendments related to the necessary reform of the Family Court.

“As a government, we are committed to continuing to support the legal profession and those who will seek your services. We have done a lot of work, but there is still much to be done to ensure that we have more effective justice with more efficient procedures," Minister Attard stated.

The ceremony was also addressed by the Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, lawyer Cedrick Mifsud from the Chamber of Advocates, and the President of the Chamber of Legal Prosecutors, Gerald Bonello.

Also present at the ceremony were the Attorney General, Dr Victoria Buttigieg; Deputy Attorney General, Dr Andria Buhagiar; the Chief Executive Officer of the Courts Services Agency, Dr Vanessa Grech; and representatives from the committee of Lawyers and Legal Prosecutors.