Empowering the young lawyer

Then the realities of legal practise sets in, the legal field is vast, fertile and fruitful but the young lawyer is somewhat stranded and confused, one realises that the dream of making it big in the profession actually comes slower than expected, this is where tutelage comes into play. A law firm which engages the […]

Then the realities of legal practise sets in, the legal field is vast, fertile and fruitful but the young lawyer is somewhat stranded and confused, one realises that the dream of making it big in the profession actually comes slower than expected, this is where tutelage comes into play. A law firm which engages the services of a young lawyer is obligated by tradition of the profession to improve the lawyering skill of such young lawyer.
“Give a man fish and feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and feed him for a lifetime”, a young lawyers’ self esteem and confidence is often at its low at the beginning of practise, relationship with clients is not so professional and in the legal profession, a lawyer ought to collect his fees up-front, reason being that, if the case is a success and you got your client off, they don’t need a lawyer anymore, why should they pay you? On the other hand, if the lawyer fails, why should they pay for that either?
The law firm is saddled with the responsibility of giving the young lawyer the requisite legal experience and exposure for professional growth. The Chairman of NBA, Abuja branch Desmond Umar M.Yamah Esq rightly observed that young lawyers are in need of seminars and workshops on professional ethics, transparency and accountability in dealing with clients, on how legislative bills are initiated until they are passed by the National Assembly, on the easiest and fastest means for seeking redress for breach of fundamental human rights et al.
The legal profession is diverse, as such, a young lawyer’s skill needs to be horned with the proper tools and orientation needed to better his practise which would in turn better the Nigerian legal system. We have young lawyers in certain law firms with three {3} years post call, who are yet to appear alone in a matter or move a motion. Some can’t apply for police bail at the police station or write a compelling letter on behalf of a client and many other unfortunate events alike, how then does one develop his independence of knowledge?
A lawyers’ growth in the profession depends on the quality and pool of knowledge one is able to acquire along the way, and the law firm being a sanctuary to the lawyer plays a vital role in the kind of knowledge the lawyer acquires. Law firms ought to encourage young lawyers by letting them appear individually in court to move harmless motions or handle small briefs from start to finish with supervision. The more a young lawyer engages in practise, the more he gains confidence to properly relate with his immediate environs.
It has been said and I concur, a young lawyer’s primary motivation should be to learn the trade and not the unnecessary lust for quick money, which is why empowering the young lawyer will go a long way in positively impacting the course of this noble profession.
Just recently the Nigerian Law school released results for the BAR part two {2} finals, meaning another set of young lawyers would be coming into the legal profession who would also be in need of empowerment. Continuing legal education for young lawyers through seminars, trainings and workshops should be encouraged. Young lawyers in practise should be able to commence proceedings before courts of law, a law firm’s library should have the necessary books to avail a young lawyer in research and all other motivating acts alike.
A big congrats to all who passed the BAR part two{2} finals, it’s no easy task. To those who didn’t make it “stay calm and relax” everything happens for a reason, keep faith alive and all would be well.

Daniel Bulusson practices in Kaduna