New lawyers who hurdled the 2023 Bar examinations were reminded of their duties as they were welcomed into the profession by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando.

Hernando called on the newly minted lawyers to be instruments of peace and promoters of equity as their mandate is to serve, and not to be served.

"Your 'Atty' is a professional title. It is not a social rank. Being a lawyer does not make you more important than non-lawyers," Hernando said.

"It is never a license to lord it over the other professions. Your title is a mandate to serve and not be served," added the 2023 bar chairperson.

In calling on the new lawyers to be advocates of peace, Hernando nonetheless acknowledged that lawsuits are the lifeblood of practicing lawyers.

Hernando said there are cases that can be settled out of court, and only need the pacifying mediation of lawyers. He added that settling cases out of court can unclog judicial dockets.

Hernando reminded the new lawyers to uphold "your demeanor before the courts and the public, the propriety of your actions, the stability of your private lives and the fortitude of your convictions in the days, weeks, months, years, and the decades to come."

A total of 3,812 takers passed the 2023 Bar exams held in September.