THE JOURNEY OF A YOUNG LAWYER: HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHIDI ODOEMENAM 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 CHIDI ODOEMENAM

THE ASSERTION “OLD AGE OF METHUSELAH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON’’ HAS ITS VALIDITY IN CHIDI. A YOUNG AND PROMISING LAWYER, WHO IS MAKING WAVES IN CORPORATE LAW PRACTICE IN NIGERIA

HE IS CURRENTLY A CORPORATE ASSOCIATE WITH ALUKO & OYEBODE. HE REGULARLY ACTS AS TRANSACTIONAL AND ADVISORY COUNSEL TO INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL CORPORATIONS ON CROSS-BORDER AND BIG TICKET TRANSACTIONS

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

CO:  I grew up in an academic environment, my Mum being a lecturer who had studied to Ph.d level. At an early age, I consumed a lot of Shakespeare, African literature and history books, which were books my Mum would use in preparing her lecture notes. I found an early love for writing, composition and regulation in a lot of these books. I eventually figured that my love for writing would be most useful in the legal profession.

SIR, WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE WHILE GROWING UP?

CO: My parents. Their resilience and drive to attain the highest possible positions in their respective careers serves as motivation to me till date

SIR, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO STUDY LAW?

CO: I have always wanted to be a “wall street lawyer”. I admired investment bankers and the corporate deal makers in the corporate sector. I figured that since I didn’t like mathematics, my only way to get in was through law. I have always been interested in advising large corporate, and law presented a unique window.

SIR, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY EXPERIENCE YOU HAD AS A YOUNG LAWYER?

CO: Working in one of the top commercial law firms in the Country, I have been part of various teams within the firm that has advised clients on big-ticket and noteworthy transactions. Notwithstanding the fact that I am barely a year into the profession, my firm’s development policy ensures that young lawyers like myself are given advanced roles and exposures in transactions, and this translates to a lot of experience within a short period of time. I also appreciate working and learning from the best corporate lawyers in the country.

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

CO: My challenges which I would not necessarily term challenges in the profession were managing client expectations, excessive workloads and delivery. When I first started working, I would promise clients “heavy” deliverables within tight deadlines, and which I would eventually not meet. However, with the help of experienced mentors within my firm and much more transactional experience, I am learning how to manage client expectations to deliver quality work within realistic deadlines.

I was also faced with the “customary” harsh reality of a new corporate lawyer, being that University and Law School does not prepare one for the fast-paced and technical nature of the profession.

HOW WAS YOUR FIRST JOB INTERVIEW?

CO: I have had my fair share of at least of 4 job/internship interviews. My first interview for an internship position at a top law firm before law school modelled my approach towards future interviews. I expressed my interest in Oil & Gas law to my interviewers who would ask me various questions on Nigeria’s gas laws. The rest of the interview was conversational and we discussed why I wanted to intern with the firm.

My first real job interview was with my Firm (where I had interned some months back). Having worked with various teams in the firm, I was able to discuss the tasks I had handled as an intern with interviewers. 

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

CO: Before starting a career in corporate law, I carefully studied the career paths of established corporate lawyers such as Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, Professor Koyinsola Ajayi, Professor Gbolahan Elias, Mr. Kem Ihenacho and Mr. Olumide Oladosu. My study of the career paths chosen by these established corporate lawyers affords me the opportunity of “cherry picking” pieces of their career decisions and using them to plan mine.

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

CO: Although mentorship and tutelage are two key aspects of development for young lawyers, I don’t think legislating them would provide needed results. For mentorship and tutelage to be effective in Nigeria’s legal sphere, young lawyers themselves would have to display the hunger and drive to be mentored and then identify and reach out to potential mentors. The experienced lawyers who the young lawyers reach out to must also help out the young lawyers.

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

CO: I believe that a conscious effort by the senior lawyers and the NBA in general would aid implementation. Senior lawyers often complain of poor quality of entry-level lawyers, while they could have aided in mentoring to prepare the young lawyers for practice. Law firms and the NBA should organise periodic trainings and mentorship programme for law undergraduates and young lawyers. 

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

CO: When compared with their counterparts in other jurisdictions, the state of welfare of young lawyers in Nigeria is really poor. Most young lawyers are currently underemployed by senior lawyers who either pay them below the minimum wage, or don’t pay at all. The sole proprietorship law firms are particularly guilty of this. I personally know of law firms run by big SANs who don’t pay NYSC at all.

The big law firms who pay considerable well do not employ much lawyers at entry level. Considering the cost and duration of legal education in Nigeria, the profession is currently letting young lawyers down.

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?

CO: As a corporate and commercial lawyer, I believe I owe my clients a commercial duty to advise them on how to effectively minimise risk and maximise profits in their businesses by using the extant provisions of the law, or by exploiting the loopholes in the law. It would be unethical on my part, and on the part of any lawyer to misrepresent the position of the law.

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

CO: “laughs”. I have been surviving o. Well, it depends on how you define surviving. I have been treated really well by my law firm, “pay check wise” and training wise.

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?

CO: I acknowledge the efforts of our lecturers and the entire academic system both at the University level and the Law School level. However, I must also say that much more can be done. Our legal education is too theoretical for actual practice, and produces students who lack analytical skills or any actual knowledge of how to apply the law. Truthfully, my legal education at the University and Law School prepared me to a level of maybe 40% for practice. My internships make up the 60%.

SIR, WITH YOUR LITTLE EXPOSURE, WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TOP LAW FIRM TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE EMPLOYING A YOUNG LAWYER?

CO: Top law firms look for young lawyers who can actually analyse and solve the business problems and issues presented by clients. This does not necessarily entail knowledge of the law, but the ability to learn on the job and apply the law in a concise manner to effectively advice the client is key. Other requirements include good grades, prior internship/trainee experience and commercial awareness.

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

CO: Nigeria actually needs less lawyers. The profession and employers of labour in the sector are not considering expansion plans to accommodate the incredibly high number of lawyers that are admitted into the profession on a yearly basis. In years to come, Nigeria may have a high number of lawyers roaming the streets jobless.

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

CO: I don’t think it’s really a necessity for every lawyer to start a law firm. I don’t know what the future holds in the next 20 years, but I plan on gaining valuable experience by qualifying and practising in the United States and the Middle East.

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

CO: What the profession can do is not to drive corruption. There should be a conscious effort by lawyers and the players in the judiciary to eradicate corruption in the judiciary which is becoming an embarrassing dent on the legal profession.

‘’The bridge between the successful man and the poor man is knowledge and hard work.

No matter the degree of prayers from your "pastor" and prophecies of "evil machinations", without hard work, the poor man's hope and prayers for success remains a mirage…….’’

‘’The path towards becoming a successful lawyer is a very hard one. One can only try and pray’’

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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)

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THE JOURNEY OF A YOUNG LAWYER; HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ADEKUNLE CHARLES 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 CHARLES OLANIYI ADEKUNLE

He is a Lawyer, his Trailblazer, a man passionate about raising a generation of young people for purpose Leadership. His currently undergoing his compulsory Youth Service Corp in Abuja at D.D. DODO & CO

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

I am Charles Adekunle. I’m from Kogi State. I spent the first twelve years of my life growing up with my grandparents in Kogi State where I attended Primary and secondary schools. My family background had nothing to do with my choice to study law. As a matter of fact, my family was against my decision to study law because there was a perception that lawyers are too many and are poorly paid. They wanted me to do something in the sciences. Studying law was simply something I really wanted to do and ended up doing.

WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE WHILE GROWING UP?

I cannot particularly point to one person as being the biggest influence. I had a lot of people who had positive influence over me from my Grandfather to my teachers. However, I was fascinated by the things I heard and read about Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was a lawyer and a politician. I also read about Aare Afe Babalola, Nelson Mandela and others. Well, I am still growing up and my role models keep evolving, currently I admire our Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, as he is an embodiment of so many things I want to be. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO STUDY LAW?

I was inspired to study law because I wanted to fight for the oppressed and indigent people in the society. I wanted to defend people’s interest and ensure that they get access to justice. I will read in the newspaper how people were arrested and locked up and I wished I could do something for them. I was also very interested in political affairs and people said I could talk and argue very well, so I reasoned that I am going to make an awesome lawyer someday.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY EXPERIENCE YOU HAD AS A YOUNG LAWYER?

Haha. I am still a young lawyer. I have had the opportunity of actively participating in different aspects of law practice. As part of the team advising one of our clients on its multi-billion naira housing project, I have been able to work with the best minds in the legal profession to proffer timely and sound legal advice under tasking scenarios.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED AS A YOUNG LAWYER?

Well, I will not call them challenges. I will rather refer to them as realities. I think the realities that young lawyers face is dependent on their environment. Personally, I have realized that the practice of law isn’t really as fast paced as one would ordinarily expect. There’s a process for everything. You don’t just start kicking ass or settling Supreme Court briefs immediately.   

HOW WAS YOUR FIRST JOB INTERVIEW?

My first interview went well. There was that initial nervousness. I faced a panel of four Partners of a prestigious law firm. My first law related question was on the definition of contract and the sufficiency of consideration. For someone who had just finished from the law school, I was ordinarily expecting mergers and corporate restructuring and what-not. It showed me that you can never be over-prepared for an interview and you should expect your interviewer to ask anything.    

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

My role model is Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. I have learnt a lot from many superb pacesetters in the legal profession especially Mallam Yusuf Ali SAN in whose firm I interned during my undergraduate years and 

during the law school externship programme and Mr. D. D. Dodo SAN, my current Principal.

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?

I will not support such legislation as we will not be able to agree on the adequate number of years. I think tutelage should be proactively encouraged rather than legislated. While every lawyer can decide to open his own practice as soon as he is called to the Nigerian Bar, it is my opinion that every lawyer should undergo tutelage for at least 2 - 3 years.  

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

It is a sorry state. The average young lawyer in Nigeria is poorly remunerated and underemployed, most of those employed do not also have job security. Although there are few firms that take the welfare of young lawyers serious, but after studying for so many years, the entry level package for most lawyers is sub-par when compared to other professions. The Bar association still has a long way to go in ensuring that all lawyers irrespective of where they work have an appreciable minimum wage.  

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?

No lawyer worth his onions should ever bend the law. The stream of justice must not be corrupted by the Ministers in the temple of justice. However, there’s a vast difference between using available legal loopholes and “bending the law”. While it is legal and ethical to avail yourself of legal loopholes, it is illegal and unethical to turn the law on its head in the name of satisfying your client. If such a dilemma presents itself, I will politely explain it to the client, insist on the right thing and decline such brief if the client will not make the right decisions. If an unethical client walks out of the door, other ethical clients will come in. In the long run, this will pay off, as the Clients will respect you for your ethical standard and trust that you will not compromise. He will call on you and recommend you to others as that “ethical and honest lawyer”.    

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

My principle is to cut my coat according to the cloth I have, not even my size. I think my principles on contentment and knowing how to avoid unnecessary expenses have come in handy.

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

I attended the Better By Far University of Ilorin where I served as the Head of the Faculty’s Legal Aid Clinic for two years. I think my participation in clinical activities and other activities such as moot, mock, client counselling etc did go a long way in preparing me for legal practice. However, a lawyer is an eternal learner as learning does not end at the gates of the Law school. While the legal education might prepare one for legal practice, the young lawyer must engage in constant professional development in order to keep up with the dynamics of law practice.

WITH YOUR LITTLE EXPOSURE, WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TOP LAW FIRM TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE EMPLOYING A YOUNG LAWYER?

To start with, a very good grade at the university and at the Nigerian Law School. However, grades isn’t everything as you should also be a rounded applicant displaying your capabilities to fit in into the firm’s structure and practice areas.

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT NIGERIA STILL NEEDS MORE LAWYERS?

Yes. We have few lawyers in Nigeria when we consider the ratio to our population. In a country of over 180 million citizens, we have less than 150,000 lawyers that have been enrolled at the Supreme Court. By the time you remove the numbers of lawyers that have died in the intervening period, the remaining number is a small percentage of the population. I am not unmindful that some aspects of law practice may become digitized soon, but we still need a lot of lawyers in Nigeria and there will be enough briefs to go round if we can encourage people not to take the laws into their own hands and avoid the shortcut approach to legal issues.

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

I do not believe that every lawyer eventually has to start a law firm at one point or the other. We have numerous firms that are not viable or sustainable. I strongly believe in partnership which will lead to building up firms that can compete with other firms in the world. So, within the next ten years, I might become a partner in an existing firm or go into a partnership with like minds.

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

The legal profession is the vanguard of the nation. It’s a community of elite learned minds. Every lawyer in Nigeria has a degree of influence and is generally respected in the society. We have to promote the right types of laws, ensure the enforcement of those laws and refuse to be intermediaries for corrupt people. When legal practitioners are incorruptible, it will have its effect on the nation.

‘’EASY DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEANS FAST, SURMOUNT YOUR DIFFICULTIES TODAY, IT WILL PAY OFF REAL GOOD SOON. DARE TO STAND ALONE FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN, BECAUSE IT’S A POPULAR CHOICE DOESN’T MAKE IT THE RIGHT CHOICE. THOSE WHO LEFT BEFORE YOU WILL MEET YOU AT THE DESTINATION. THE GREATEST TRAGEDY IS NOT LACK OF SIGHT BUT LACK OF VISION’’ SOLI DEO GLORIA

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THE JOURNEY OF A YOUNG LAWYER; HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH WHYTE HABEEB IBIDAPO 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’’

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 WHYTE HABEEB IBIDAPO

HE IS A LAWYER; UNITED NATIONS AWARD WINNER, AFRICA INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION AWARD WINNER, COCA COLA/ THE NATION CAMPUSLIFE AWARD WINNER, PROMASIDOR RUNNER-UP FOR THE BEST FUTURE WRITER IN NIGERIA, I-HUSTLE CAMPAIGN INITIATIVE AMBASSADOR AND EDITOR EGBA YOUTH AWARDS FOUNDATION.

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

I am a product of a family that survives on the divine words of God and produce of hardwork. My family is a nuclear one domicile in the ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun State.  It is a simple family.

I would say to an extent, my family influenced my choice of law. Choice as regards to the fact that they love what I chose as a profession for myself; I was thoroughly and modestly encouraged in all ramifications.  I grew up as a writer in the house. I was mandated by my father to always stay awake to listen to the 9’o clock NTA Network news daily. After listening to news, I am to write exactly what have heard in a higher education note for my father to read when he is back from work. My father relies on my writing and he discusses the issues with me. 

I have been up to date on events happening around Nigeria through the network news from the age of 12. Knowing a lot about my country actually motivated strengthened the faith I had in my choice of ambition. The moment I was made a news reporter to my busy father, it marks the beginning and the best of influence my family had on my ambition that later turned to be my career.

SIR, WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE WHILE GROWING UP?

Hmmm....biggest influence? I have never considered anyone’s influence as the biggest. Although, I grew up believing that the elderly ones are better influencer than my peers. I am still growing and am of the mind that every person that has come across my way and helped me better as a person had influenced. No biggest influence yet because I am still growing.

SIR, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO STUDY LAW?

The happenings in my country influenced my choice of law. The only profession that I can think of while growing is LAW. I have watched and read how lawyers have influenced the development of this country. I have also read how lawyers have made great efforts to keep this country and most especially the way lawyers have triumphed in politics is overwhelming. I bear witness to the fact that lawyers have greater impact than any other profession in this country. Whichever way you want to look at it, lawyers dominate. Our influence in this country inspired me more.

SIR, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY EXPERIENCE YOU HAD AS A YOUNG LAWYER?

Experience is a product of happenings. As a Young Lawyer, my experience is still ongoing but one thing that I have come to understand is that as a young lawyer, one must learn to embrace the fate of the dark hour. Young lawyers are in folds; so also our experiences are in folds. My first year as a young lawyer was quite interesting and it gave me the lead of what I wanted in the profession as a whole.

During my first year, I made bold decisions on what I wanted and the kind of practice that I desire.  My experience then happened to be my National Youth Service year. Here, I got attached to a law firm that the law practice in general was exposed to me. My boss really trained me because I showed keen interest in the profession. I had a boss that encouraged me with all the things that I found to be difficult. My boss and other practising lawyers in the law firm were my family. I had no reason to feel like a Corper. My boss pays me for overtime in the office. He encourages me a lot. I started going to court the following day I resumed office. He helped me and made me understand that money should not be my motivation if I want to make it big in the noble profession. I can hardly remember anytime I regretted law practice in my first year as a lawyer. The beginning really matters for a young lawyer and this is where seniors are needed mostly.   

The challenging part of this profession is making it. It is not easy to get it right in this profession. It requires extra hardwork and focused mindset. Any young lawyer that is money driven would never be relevant in this profession.

I have always said it that there is nothing new in the legal profession, what is rather new is the new face coming into the profession. Something new can be brought as of value to the legal profession through the new face.        

HOW WAS YOUR FIRST JOB INTERVIEW?

So far so good, I have never attended any job interview.        

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

I don’t want to be like anyone in the Legal profession. I hope to be who Allah has destined me to be in the legal profession. I don’t have Role Models.  However, I have a lot of Mentors and they are all father figures in the profession. I am confident in saying Prof. Muhammed Akanbi, Pastor. John Olusola Bayeshea SAN, Alhaji Adekola Mustapha, Chief S.A Akinbami, Alhaji Ibrahim Atanda , Mr. Kizito Roberts, Alhaji Yinka Razaaq and Alhaji Mutiu Agboke are persons I cannot do without. I have always had one thing or the other in relations to the legal practice to do with them. There mentoring impacts in my life so far cannot be over emphasized.

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

Tutelage is a very good thing. There is nothing wrong in learning under anyone that knows better than you. It is a good thing to learn from anyone that is doing very well in what you want to be the best in. The law practice especially litigation has a lot techniques that are peculiar to the practice especially the court aspects. It must be learnt. However, I do not believe it should be made compulsory. It should be a thing of choice. No one should be forced to do it. I should decide if I want it not that someone would decide for me and no law should mandate me to do it.

Tutelage to some senior lawyers is a means of enslaving the junior lawyers that want to learn from them. Many atimes, the senior lawyers would place their junior colleagues on salaries that are ridiculous and yet they want the best out of the junior colleague. Tutelage in some offices in Nigeria is not worth it at all. 

However, some firms are encouraging in all aspects. The larger part in a whole is not encouraging. It is slavery under the guise of learning the law.

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

Tutelage program do not need to be enforced. It should be optional however Mentorship Partnership should be encouraged. Mentorship partnership is a process that makes both the senior lawyer and the junior lawyer to own a law firm together and share profits. This process would change the face of the legal profession and makes the rivalry healthy. Here, no one is a slave to anyone. Everybody’s money is on the table to create a better life and no one would want to see his or her money not yielding returns. The junior would learn better from his senior partner knowing full well that he has no choice than to ensure the job is well done. Law firms that are using the standard always thrive well unlike where the master and servant relationship exist, there is always one trouble or the other. Someone is always feeling over used and not getting enough remuneration as encouragement for work done or services rendered while the other feel he has to discharge or get a work done to his own satisfaction through another simply because he is paying salary. The world has moved above this. We have a lot of law firms everywhere when lawyers can come together and form a big law empire or hub where there would be various lawyers handling various aspects under one office. We need to start thinking and we need to start making difference. Let’s shift the burden and be professional about law practice in Nigeria.

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

The welfarism of young lawyers in Nigeria is a bit fair to an extent. Though welfarism as far as salary is concerned, is not encouraging at all. Most times, it is a mockery of the profession itself and yet the learned seniors do not see anything wrong with it. They are always happy to continue a trend they are product of. They are quick at telling young lawyers that they are learning when they know they are suffering. It is just bad and I guess this would always happen day in day out until the young lawyers decides to break from the yoke of complacency.  

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?

The notion is that of a lay man. I need to say emphatically that the law can never be bent no matter how hard you try. The law is the law. However, it is not all the time that the law would favour a lawyer during its application especially to a case at hand. When the law is not in your favour as a lawyer, you should use your facts and drive home your point for better consideration with the exceptions to the law. If both are against a lawyer in a matter, the lawyer is expected to apply logic which is a product of critical thinking. Good cases are lost in the court while the bad cases are won. What makes this happen is the level of professional commitment and diligence put into it by the lawyer handling it. Diligence is the hallmark of legal profession.

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

Survival has been through the grace of God. As a young lawyer, I make do with whatever i get. The money is not flowing big as assumed but the joy of doing what I set out for in life is overwhelming. I am satisfied with the little I am making from the profession. There are better days ahead just like every hustler as a pay day.  

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?

To an extent I would say the total education of law in Nigeria from the University and Law School only prepares us for the legal practice itself i.e. the learning of law and not the learning that is attached to the society itself. There is a difference between knowing the law, what you can become of through the law profession and what you must know about the society itself. The law school only prepares you to have a mastery of what would make you pass the bar finals and not what you tend to face after passing the bar finals. I would suggest that a bit of advanced sociology or psychology should be introduced in a way. This would help the young lawyer or aspirant to the bar to know that there is more to the law we intend practicing. If you cannot deal with society and the challenges therein, you can never make it using the law as bedrock or a profession. There some arts that must be learnt as a lawyer either through formal or informal education for one to be truly noble. The Council of Legal Education can still make effort in this regards.

SIR, WITH YOUR LITTLE EXPOSURE, WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TOP LAW FIRM TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE EMPLOYING A YOUNG LAWYER?

I guess most law firms in Nigeria today prefer you to have good academic grades both at the University and the Law School. The school grading system is applicable with job employment too. However, you might find those who never made good grades in top firm maybe because their parents are well connected or paying clients to Principals of the top law firms. This is the reality. You cannot take it away from us as Nigerians.

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

Every family deserves a lawyer.

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

I have started my own law firm though not a big one. I started when I left NYSC and am also into Mentorship partnership with senior lawyers. I am learning, I am working and am not under anyone’s salary. I intend expanding when I have enough resources.

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

The legal profession can contribute to fight against corruption through proper prosecution of alleged corrupt persons in court. If prosecuting lawyers can secure the conviction of alleged persons, it would serve as a warning to others with such a mindset. Lawyers should also desist from shielding corrupt persons all because of money. When you make money from someone who had stolen or looted from public treasury, you are still going to spend such money in a defaced society where you would never get the value. It is simple as that. Members of the Legal profession should also be diligent in their duties and must not be found wanton in the discharge of their duties especially in the appropriation of money or been used to siphon public funds by clients.

''LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL BUT IT IS EPHEMERAL. SET A GOAL AND STRIVE TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS WITHOUT REGRETTING MAKING ANY EFFORT TO BE GREAT. PERSONALLY, MY OWN GOAL IS TO BE AN ACHIEVER THAT WOULD HAVE HIS NAME ON THE LIPS OF ENDLESS GENERATION. SET YOURS AND ACHIEVE THEM BECAUSE THE ABILITY TO ACCOMPLISH THE TASK AHEAD IS THE BEGINNING OF BEEN A REAL MAN''.............

                                                       THE END

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