Ignasi de Ribot, a practicing lawyer, has turned 100 years old with 74 years of bar membership and continues to practice professionally after a career linked to Catalan law and pro bono legal services. The Illustrious Bar Association of Girona has honored him for a career that began in 1952, when he joined with number 51 at a time with very few registered professionals.
His case presents an unusual paradox. De Ribot began teaching Catalan law before that subject was compiled in 1960 and practiced as a public defender in Barcelona when it was mandatory and unpaid, two characteristics of a very different profession from today's, which he continues to practice.
Ignasi de Ribot was registered in 1952 with number 51
The lawyer began his professional career 74 years ago, at a time when the legal profession had a much smaller presence than it does now. His registration with number 51 places that start in the early days of an organized profession with a still small census.
Before 1960, when Catalan law had not yet been compiled, he already taught classes on that subject to young lawyers at the professional college. That early dedication is part of the recognition that the ICAG has dedicated to him.
In addition to that work, he served on the duty roster in Barcelona under the conditions of the time, on a mandatory and unpaid basis. The tribute precisely highlights that sustained career in both Catalan law and legal aid for those who could not choose their defense.
The lawyer maintains the practice and links the profession to vocation
De Ribot explains his continuity from a central idea about the profession.
"Lawyering must be a calling; otherwise, it is very sacrificial" - Ignasi de Ribot, lawyer
At 100 years old, he assures that he never made calculations about how long he would remain active. His continuity, he states, did not respond to a prior plan nor to an expectation of professional longevity.
"No. First, because I didn't think so. And second, because I didn't think I would reach this age either. But I have continued practicing law" - Ignasi de Ribot, lawyer
On a personal level, he relates that stage to his current family situation. He also points to the daily support he receives at home.
De Ribot explains that he is a widower, that this circumstance limits him, and that his children take good care of him. Family continuity will continue with his grandson Marc, who will dedicate himself to law in a saga that also includes doctors and children who practiced in Barcelona.
Outside the courts, he was also a former mayor, an experience from which he avoids lightly judging the municipal task. "Only if you are in their place can you know if they are doing it well or badly," he states, referring to the management of current mayors and councilors.