For a lawyer, “laying down his mandate” means ending his mission to represent a client. This can happen for a number of reasons, for example:
Conflict of interest
Non-payment of fees
Loss of trust between lawyer and client
Lawyer’s strategic or ethical decision
When a lawyer withdraws from a retainer agreement, he or she should generally inform the client of this decision, and give the client time to find another lawyer to ensure continuity of defense or representation.

A judgment is an official decision issued by a higher court, such as a court of appeal, an administrative court of appeal, or the Cour de cassation in France, but also by the Conseil d’État or the Court of Justice of the European Union. The term is generally used for decisions of higher-ranking courts, whereas those of courts of first instance are called judgments.

Characteristics of a judgment

Ruling of principle: A ruling is often issued to decide questions of law of some importance. It may, for example, establish the interpretation of a law or clarify a legal rule. Some rulings are even referred to as “decisions of principle”, because they establish a body of case law, i.e. a rule that can be applied in similar cases.

Enforceability: As with any judgment, a ruling is enforceable, meaning that it must be complied with, and can be enforced if necessary.

Structure: A judgment is often structured in several parts, including :

The facts: a summary of the circumstances of the case.

The parties’ arguments: an overview of the arguments put forward by each party.

Motivation: the legal analysis justifying the court’s decision.

The operative part: the court’s final conclusion or decision (e.g. to uphold, set aside or remit the case for a new ruling).

An assessor is a person who assists another in an official capacity, such as in decision-making or verification processes. Here are the main contexts in which the role of assessor is often encountered:

Justice: in the courts, an assessor is a magistrate who sits alongside the main judge to help him or her make decisions. For example, in some jurisdictions (such as the tribunaux correctionnels or tribunaux de commerce in France), assessors take part in deliberations and help the judge evaluate evidence and determine the verdict.

In electoral matters: assessors are people who assist the president of the polling station during elections. They are responsible for tasks such as greeting voters, checking their identity, managing the ballot box and signing official documents. In this way, assessors ensure the transparency and regularity of the ballot.

In some companies or associations: the term may also be used to designate members of committees or councils who assist the chairman in organization and decision-making. Their role may vary according to the organization’s by-laws and regulations.

The assessor is therefore generally a deputy or advisor who takes an active part in decision-making, ensuring that the rules are applied impartially and correctly.

The President of the Bar is the elected head of the Bar for a two-year term.
In this role, he or she is responsible for representing all lawyers registered with the bar, defending their interests and ensuring compliance with professional ethics.

The President of the Bar is therefore a figure of authority and respect within the legal profession, playing an essential role in preserving ethics, integrity and the proper functioning of justice within his or her bar.