Future Lawyers Grounded in Integrity at Emeris Ruimsig Campus Code of Ethics Ceremony
By Thembi Moyo
Johannesburg – The lecture hall at Emeris Ruimsig was filled with a sense of purpose as first-year LLB students gathered for the institution’s Code of Ethics Ceremony, a defining moment marking the beginning of their journey into the legal profession.
More than just a formal event at Emeris Ruimsig Campus, the ceremony served as an early reminder that the study of law is not only about mastering statutes and case law, but also about cultivating character, accountability, and a deep respect for justice. For many students in attendance, it was their first real encounter with the ethical expectations that will shape their future careers. At its core, a code of ethics is a set of guiding principles that governs professional conduct. In the legal field, these principles are essential. They ensure that practitioners act with honesty, uphold the rule of law, protect client confidentiality, and maintain fairness in a system that directly impacts people’s lives. Without ethics, the legal system risks losing public trust a foundation it cannot function without.
During the ceremony, students were introduced to these values and encouraged to internalise them from the outset of their studies. The message was clear: ethical decision-making is not something to be learned later in practice, but something to be lived daily, even in the classroom.
Guest speaker Advocate Janee Karuaihe delivered a powerful address, urging students to recognise the weight of the profession they are entering. He emphasised that integrity must remain constant, even when faced with pressure or difficult choices.“Ethics are what define you when no one is watching,” he said. “As future legal practitioners, your responsibility goes beyond winning cases it is about upholding justice and serving society with integrity.”
Students described the ceremony as both eye-opening and inspiring. Hlabirwa Mathabatha, a first-year student, said the experience deepened his understanding of what it means to be a legal practitioner. “The research we do as aspiring legal practitioners shows that ethics are not just theory they work in real life. I understand now how important they are. It was very informative,” he said.
Another student, Amy, LLB student who has articulated from the BCom Law degree reflected on how the ceremony reshaped her perspective on studying law. “It was very insightful. Ethics are a very important part of studying law, and the way you carry yourself matters. It’s a valued framework that guides everything you do,” she said. The ceremony also encouraged students to reflect on the kind of lawyers they hope to become professionals who not only interpret the law, but who contribute to a more just and equitable society. It highlighted that ethical lapses in the legal field can have far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, communities, and the credibility of institutions.
By embedding these principles early, Emeris Ruimsig is positioning its students to develop a strong professional identity rooted in integrity and social responsibility. The Code of Ethics Ceremony, while symbolic, plays a crucial role in shaping how these future lawyers will navigate complex moral and legal challenges. As the students left the venue, the message lingered, the law is not just a career it is a calling that demands discipline, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right.
