FEATURE
Dr Suad bint Mohammed al Lamkiya Dr Suad bint Mohammed al Lamkiya was the first woman of colour to be called to The Bar of Ireland. She was called to the Bar in Michaelmas Term 1963 on
in various legal agreements including the Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the United States. She
October 29, after completing her legal studies in
was also involved in humanitarian efforts and has
Trinity College Dublin in 1959 and training at The
been described as a personification of humility,
Honorable Society of King’s Inns.
whose underlying message in all her lessons was
Dr Suad bint Mohammed al Lamkiya is described
to remain humble and kind, and to never judge a
as a legal luminary in her birthplace of Oman and
person or situation without studying it from all
globally.
During
her
life
and
career,
she
accumulated numerous firsts in the legal field across the world. She was the first law graduate in Oman and is considered to be the first legal adviser in the Sultanate. She was the first Omani woman to hold the position of legal
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On an international level Dr al Lamkiya represented Oman
angles. Dr al Lamkiya delivered an inspirational speech at the Omani Women’s Day celebrations in 2020, saying: “My advice to women lawyers is to have confidence in whatever they do. They should continue to expand their knowledge
adviser at the Ministry of Legal Affairs. Dr al Lamkiya was also the first
because knowledge is what can give them confidence”.
female public prosecutor to study law outside the Sultanate and was the
Dr Suad bint Mohammed al Lamkiya passed away in May 2021 leaving
world’s second Arab female judge. As well as these remarkable
behind an enormous legacy for the legal field within Oman and across
achievements, she was also a lecturer in law.
the world. Many Omanis view her as a national treasure.
THE BAR REVIEW : Volume 26; Number 5 – November 2021
