22-Year-Old Mauritian Lawyer Sworn In: The Youngest Barrister in a Class of 45

His success follows years of intense dedication, which involved an extensive daily commute between Grand-Gaube and Curepipe, culminating in Igor Emmanuel Valère being sworn in as the youngest lawyer in his class in Mauritius at just 22 years old. Mr. Valère, who was admitted to the Bar before the Supreme Court on September 26, 2025, is the youngest of the 45 new Mauritian lawyers.

A Determined Academic Path

Mr. Valère’s legal career began early. He completed his baccalauréat (A-Levels equivalent) with excellent results at 17.

• He then earned his LLB from Middlesex University Mauritius, graduating with distinction in 2023.
• He subsequently moved to the UK, attending Northumbria University, where he obtained both an LLB and an LLM in law, both with distinction, in 2024.

Diverse Experience and Professional Philosophy

Before being called to the Bar, Mr. Valère gained practical experience through mini-pupillages at Juristconsult Chambers, Lallah Chambers, the office of Me Deepak Sooghbur, and the Attorney General’s Office.

This allowed him to explore civil, criminal, commercial, employment law, and arbitration.

He is currently working at Collendavelloo Chambers alongside Senior Counsel Me Ivan Collendavelloo.

Mr. Valère sees the role of a lawyer extending beyond litigation. He believes a lawyer’s primary mission is to represent the client and ensure the application of truth and justice, but also to “reflect, express themselves and debate in the public sphere to inform the population on legal issues.”

His guiding principles are ethics and the defence of the vulnerable, stating that a lawyer “must remain faithful to the code of ethics and support those who cannot afford to defend themselves.”

The Makings of a Lawyer

Mr. Valère’s aspiration to become a lawyer began at a young age, telling his father of his desire at 13 or 14.

The environment at home, which often featured passionate discussions with his father Josian, a journalist, and his mother Esther, a recruitment consultant, fostered this early ambition.

A foundation in English, starting in secondary school, is essential, he stresses, for reading and interpreting the Mauritian Civil Code and Penal Code.

He attributes some of his professional values—discipline, respect for the opponent, and perseverance—to his time on the mat as a member of the national judo club.

He equates daily preparation in judo with confronting life as he does at the Bar.

To relieve stress, he plays the guitar or the piano, performing music by artists such as Francis Cabrel and Ed Sheeran.

Future Ambitions

While he is currently exploring various fields—civil, criminal, and practical fieldwork—his long-term ambition is to specialise in financial crime, a growing area in Mauritius.

His message to aspiring lawyers is clear and succinct: “Work hard and aim for excellence.”

Source: Defi Media