THE JOURNEY OF A YOUNG LAWYER: HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TOBI AMOO Esq)

The purpose of this interview session is aimed at drawing from wealth of experience and knowledge. Our inspiration is from the words of EUGENE C.BLACKARD:

‘’Never be afraid to ask for direction on how to practice law more effectively. Everyone is afraid to look foolish but the practice of law is a collaborative endeavor. You don’t get to practice law by yourself’’

AND CYNDEE TODGHAM CHERNIAK:

            ‘’Embrace the fact that in your first year of practice that you are still learning. Law school does not teach you everything that you need to know to practice law-far from it’’

ABOUT TOBI AMOO

He is a bundle of humility, intelligence and Godliness. He is currently an Associate at SIMMONSCOOPER PARTNERS in Abuja.

He graduated with a First Class Honours from the Nigeria Law School. He has a passion for Energy Law and Corporate/Commercial Law. He is also a power sector enthusiast who has advised clients on Investment areas in the Nigerian Power Sector.

SIR, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US YOUR FAMILY BACKGROUND, AND DOES IT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOUR CHOICE OF LAW?

I’m the first child of three, born to wonderful parents. My dad is a lawyer. Although he did not compel me to study law, he was influential to my interest in law.

SIR, WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE WHILE GROWING UP?

My dad.

SIR, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO STUDY LAW?

I grew up with the impression that lawyers knew everything. I wanted to join the ranks of the “all-knowing men”

SIR, WHAT THE MAJOR CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED AS A YOUNG LAWYER?

The fact that people judge your competence by your age at the bar

SIR, HOW WAS YOUR FIRST JOB INTERVIEW?

It was an interesting experience! I had prepared so well that I was sure to ace the interview. I think I misinterpreted one or two questions and gave answers different from what the panel wanted to hear. It was also a learning experience, as I approached the members of the panel after the interview for their feedback on areas I needed improvement.

SIR, WHO IS YOUR MENTOR/ROLE MODEL IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION?

I admire some qualities in couple of outstanding lawyers. Two of them stand out – Dapo Akinosun (Partner, SimmonsCooper Partners) and Prof. Koyin Ajayi SAN (Partner, Olaniwun Ajayi LP)

SIR, IN OTHER COUNTRIES THEY ENCOURAGE TUTELAGE AND MENTORSHIP AS A REQUIREMENT FOR EVERY YOUNG LAWYERS, WILL YOU SUPPORT A LEGISLATION MAKING IT COMPULSORY FOR EVERY YOUNG LAWYER TO UNDERGO TUTELAGE

While I support the idea of tutelage in legal practice, I do not see a need for compelling it through legislation. We should not compel tutelage if we cannot make provisions for a reasonable minimum wage for young lawyers. Rather, I would suggest a review of the law undergraduate curriculum to include mandatory internships.

SIR, HOW DO YOU THINK THE TUTELAGE PROGRAM BE ENFORCED AND REALISTIC

By improving the welfare of young lawyers in Nigerian firms. A fresh lawyer faced with the options of either going through pupillage on a grossly underpay or setting up his practice on his own terms, will realistically opt for the latter.

SIR, WHAT IS THE STATE OF WELFARE OF YOUNG LAWYERS IN NIGERIA?

There is no data to inform an authoritative statement on the welfare of young lawyers. However, feelers from average young lawyers indicate that there is much room for improvement.

SIR, THERE IS A PROVERB THAT; ‘’ALL LAWYERS ARE LIARS”. WHAT WILL YOU DO IF YOU AT A DILEMMA TO REPRESENT A CLIENT BUT HAVE TO BEND THE LAW?

I do not think that is a dilemma. I strive to be a lawyer known for compliance with the law and ethical standards. I will inform the client of the situation, and if he insists on bending the law, I will politely withdraw my services. I believe no client is worth losing your professional integrity.

SIR, CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU HAVE BEING SURVIVING IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION?

BY ASKING QUESTIONS. I always ask questions. The legal profession is knowledge based, and only those with requisite knowledge will survive well. But you just can’t know everything. Asking questions has helped me tap into others knowledge and experience.

SIR, CAN YOU SAY THE LEGAL EDUCATION IN THE UNIVERSITY AND LAW SCHOOL ADEQUATELY PREPARED YOU AS A YOUNG LAWYER FOR LEGAL PRACTICE IN REALITY?

Partially. The substantive and procedural law at the University and Law School respectively, formed the core foundation for my legal practice.

SIR, WITH YOUR LITTLE EXPOSURE, WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TOP LAW 

FIRM TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE EMPLOYING A YOUNG LAWYER?

Good grades, great writing and analytical skills, good research skills, and a good performance at the recruitment tests, among others.

SIR, DO YOU BELIEVE THAT NIGERIA STILL NEEDS MORE LAWYERS?

Yes, I strongly believe we need more lawyers. Nigeria, with a population of about 180 million has roughly about 110,000 lawyers (dead and alive; practising and non-practising), which brings the ratio of lawyers to citizens to no more than 1636:1.

SIR, DO YOU HAVE ANY PLAN TO START YOUR OWN LAW FIRM? AT WHAT TIME DO YOU PLAN TO DO THIS?

I cannot say for now.

FINALLY SIR, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE LEGAL PROFESSION CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA?

What we can contribute is our tool – rule of law. The legal profession must ensure the entrenchment of the rule of law in our dealings and in the society.

‘’Sometimes we just get worked up and worried over unnecessary things. Why Envy? For God's sake, why on earth will a bird envy a fish that can swim, when the fish is actually 'wishing' to go on adventure outside the water. Don't envy others. You never know how many 'wish' to be you’’ (TOBI AMOO 2013 TIMELINE)

‘’For 'la cramme la poure' profits a little but the real knowledge and skills are profitable for all things.’’ The First Class Idiot By Tobi Amoo (2013)