Name or wealth, which would you prefer?

“The more popular you are as a lawyer, the more you will sell” Nana Tijanni (Student and blogger). A social media display picture once said: “Money can’t buy you happiness.” Yet, this sentence should end with just that because there are so many good things of life that man craves which can only be acquired […]

“The more popular you are as a lawyer, the more you will sell” Nana Tijanni (Student and blogger).
A social media display picture once said: “Money can’t buy you happiness.” Yet, this sentence should end with just that because there are so many good things of life that man craves which can only be acquired by money such as mansions, comfortable travel to beautiful cities, luxury shopping and expensive cars.
There are also things of life cherished and important to man that cannot be bought with money, one of such is name.
Considering name and wealth, if given the option, which one would the reader choose without second thought? To have a good perspective on how to approach the topic, I sought the opinions of learned friends in different spheres and cadres of the legal profession.
Abraham Sallau said: “I think the most important thing for a lawyer is knowledge, name and wealth would follow. Knowledge will bring name, then name will bring money.”
“The truth is wealth is created while a good name is earned. Earn yourself a good name and you will be creating wealth not just for you, but for generations unborn.” – Auta Nyada, national secretary, NBA-YLF.
“Name is preferable, however the name should be embedded with proficiency, integrity and credibility, with these, wealth comes naturally.” – Nicholas Cletus Oche, Law school student, Enugu campus.
“Name, definitely, because name will bring the required wealth. Or do you know of any well known lawyer without wealth?” – Konyenum Olisa, company secretary, Concept Group.
“I think they are complimentary, one comes after the other but at my current situation in life, I prefer wealth.” – Usman Kuso.
“I choose name because obviously to have the name you must have an outstanding talent or skill which translates to wealth, and you get more satisfaction from the job if you can deliver better than others.” – Jerome Iroagalachi.
The truth is, both name and wealth have qualities enjoyable by man and choosing one at the detriment of others is not likely to be a good option. There are those with name looking for wealth just as there are those with wealth seeking a good name.
The legal profession comes with pressing challenges and pressures that might sway the mind of a young lawyer to thought of seeking after wealth, instead of name. Be that as it may, a good name if sought after in the present has the opportunity to open doors to untold wealth in the future.
Some may say, ‘I don’t want to be known or popular’ that is why I seek after wealth now to afford the good things of life. The trick however lies in the fact that, in the pursuit of wealth we might be tempted to do unethical and compromising things which, if caught, can lead to embarrassing situation, that leaves a bad name when it passes.
There is nothing ethically or morally wrong with a young lawyer seeking wealth to better his livelihood or improve his practice. As a matter of fact, we went to school so we can use our skill to acquire money and take care of ourselves, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with hustling for a livelihood.
God sparing our lives, we have a long time to be legal practitioners and a respected lawyer is one with a name attached to it. In our dealings with clients and the society we should leave an impression of one who loves what he does and would give in his best when called upon to proffer solution to a legal problem.
The learned leader of NBA Kaduna Branch, Yunus ustaz Usman (SAN), once said to me: “Make a name for yourself first and wealth will come along.” There is no need rushing to acquire a big bank account and lose sleep when the time comes to spend it. Once a young lawyer becomes a household name in the legal profession, every other material possession would fall into place.
Do send your comment(s), observation(s) and recommendation{s} [email protected] or like us on www.facebook.com/younglaywerscolumn