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Junior National Law Conference aims to rejuvenate the legal profession
View(s):By Ranjith Padmasiri
The Junior National Law Conference (JNLC) 2025 concluded at the Jetwing Hotel, Negombo this weekend, drawing junior lawyers, senior practitioners and members of the judiciary for discussions on challenges facing early-career attorneys and reforms needed within the profession.
Addressing the gathering, Attorney-General Parinda Ranasinghe described the conference theme, “Raise the Bar,” as “a bold and timely call to rejuvenate the legal profession through mentorship, inclusivity, and a renewed commitment to justice.” He said the conference’s focus areas — mentorship, gender equality and equal access to justice — reflected “three pillars that must guide the profession if we are to build a stronger, more representative and competent legal community.”
Attorney-General Parinda Ranasinghe
Mr. Ranasinghe noted that sessions were shaped by concerns raised directly by junior lawyers. “All sessions were carefully curated based on insights gathered from surveys conducted among junior lawyers,” he said, adding that this ensured discussions addressed “the real barriers juniors face.”
Held over three days (14-16), the conference brought together practitioners from criminal, corporate and public law. Parallel sessions examined new developments in trial procedure, commercial mediation, small-claims recovery, digital filing systems and the use of artificial intelligence, alongside a renewed emphasis on pro bono obligations.
Mr. Ranasinghe also stressed the need to strengthen the transition from legal education to practice. “I have always questioned how equipped the students passing out from law college are to face the realities of Hulftsdorp,” he said, calling for renewed attention to whether graduates are prepared for trial work and judicial scrutiny.
The event was organised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) under the leadership of its President, Rajeev Amarasuriya, who has emphasised modernisation while upholding core ethical standards. Organisers said the conference aimed to give young practitioners tools to manage ethical dilemmas, evolving economic pressures and rapid technological change.
Mr. Ranasinghe closed his address by expressing confidence in the direction of the profession, noting that the long-term vision of an ethical and inclusive legal sector “is in safe hands.”
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