During the recent inauguration ceremony held on February 21, 2023, Beto Simonetti, the president of the Conselho Federal da Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (CFOAB), made powerful statements advocating for inclusivity and representation within the legal profession in Bahia. He emphasized the urgent need for the legal community to focus on supporting young, black, and female lawyers as well as those based outside major urban centers, recognizing their unique challenges and contributions to the field.
Simonetti boldly stated, "Este novo triênio exigirá um trabalho ainda mais focado. Um trabalho que olhe para a jovem advocacia, para a advocacia negra e feminina, e para os profissionais atuantes no interior. Que olhe para a diversidade da classe." This message underlined the commitment to creating a more representative legal framework, which is seen as imperative for addressing the current challenges faced by the profession.
During the ceremony, which took place in Salvador, notable figures from the legal community gathered, including Daniela Borges, the newly re-elected president of the OAB-BA (Ordem dos Advogados da Bahia) and the newly appointed directors of the organization: Hermes Hilarião, Daniel Moraes, Cléia Costa, and Raphael Pitombo. Each of these new leaders has pledged to work diligently on behalf of the legal community, ensuring every lawyer, regardless of their location, has equal access to resources and support.
Emphasizing the importance of outreach, Borges commented, "A Bahia é um estado com sete microrregiões que vão do litoral ao sertão, e nós da OAB sabemos dessas diferenças e trabalhamos para garantir que todos os advogados e advogadas sejam atendidos. A força do nosso sistema está na nossa união e no compromisso de atuar por toda a advocacia, independentemente de onde ela esteja." Her remarks highlighted the commitment to working collaboratively across different regions of Bahia.
Simonetti also spoke to the pressing need for the legal community to modernize its practices and improve working conditions for lawyers. He stated, "Os processos de modernização, sejam tecnológicos ou de políticas internas, também são caminhos que não podemos abandonar." This reflects the recognition of the importance of adapting to new legal standards and technologies to remain competitive and effective.
The discussion of the current state of advocacy also included Simonetti's emphasis on the vigilance required to protect legal prerogatives. He stated, "Devemos permanecer vigilantes em defesa das nossas prerrogativas, sempre com bravura e sem hesitação..." His insistence on maintaining respect for lawyers' rights showcases the broader battle against the marginalization of legal professionals.
Another key element addressed during the inauguration was Bahia's potential candidacy to host the 25th National Conference of Advocacy. Simonetti expressed optimism, saying, "Acredito que, depois do que foi demonstrado aqui, nós teremos uma aclamação da Conferência Nacional." Hosting such a significant event could provide visibility and opportunity for the local legal community, fostering collaboration across disciplines and regions.
This inauguration was not only pivotal for the leadership of the OAB-BA but also served as a mobilization point for advocates across the state. The presence of officials, such as the Secretary of Justice and Human Rights of Bahia, Felipe Freitas, and deputy state representatives, underscored the importance of legal advocacy at all levels of government.
Simonetti's vision sets the stage for not only progress within the OAB-BA but also for the evolution of legal practice across all of Bahia. His emphasis on inclusion, modernization, and vigilance resonates with the pending challenges of the legal profession, making it clear there is much work to be done to create lasting change.
Overall, the ceremony was marked by commitments to fostering inclusivity and advocating for the rights of lawyers. Simonetti's call for unity among the diverse attorneys practicing within Bahia spoke volumes about the direction he envisions for the legal future of the state. The newly inaugurated leadership of the OAB-BA stands poised to implement these initiatives, echoing the sentiments of collaboration and inclusion championed by Simonetti.