Ms. Sophie Vel was officially called to the Bar during a ceremony held in Court 1 of the Palais de Justice, marking an important milestone in her legal career.
The proceedings were heard before Chief Justice Rony Govinden, Judge Brassel Adeline, and Judge David Esparon.
Ms. Vel successfully completed her two-year pupillage with the Attorney General’s Office in April 2026, having passed the Bar examinations in December 2022. She also holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of London.
Supporting her application before the Court, the Attorney General and Mr. Thatchet highlighted Ms. Vel’s dedication and professionalism throughout her pupillage, noting that she had worked on more than 200 files spanning both civil and criminal matters. They described her as a hardworking legal professional with strong knowledge across multiple areas of law.
Addressing Ms. Vel, Chief Justice Rony Govinden reminded her of the importance of integrity within the legal profession, describing it as “the bedrock of our profession.” He encouraged her to uphold the trust and confidence placed in her by the Court and to carry out her duties with courage, integrity, and pride.
Judge Adeline emphasised that the legal profession is not merely a career, but a vocation that demands commitment and high standards from its practitioners.
Judge Esparon also reflected on Ms. Vel’s appearances before him during her pupillage, noting her professionalism and conduct in court. He encouraged her to remain open to learning as she continues to grow within the profession.
Her friends and colleagues attended in great numbers to show support and spoke highly of her as well, encouraging her to “practice with courage.”