What Changed?

Amongst other topics discussed was the issue of whether young lawyers of this generation are finding it more tasking in the legal  profession than when senior lawyers of today were young.This young wig got to understand that senior lawyers of earlier times were more encouraging {not restricted to financial} to the welfare of young wigs […]

Amongst other topics discussed was the issue of whether young lawyers of this generation are finding it more tasking in the legal  profession than when senior lawyers of today were young.
This young wig got to understand that senior lawyers of earlier times were more encouraging {not restricted to financial} to the welfare of young wigs than what we have today, that “…it was difficult for a senior lawyer to see a young wig walking to court without offering him a lift,” can’t say for sure if the same still applies  in these modern days.
In my humble opinion, how well one enjoys the legal practice is not restricted to the monthly pay checks he receives, which is most times considered peanuts but also the friendly and encouraging atmosphere of the legal environment, which begs the question ‘what changed?’
Is it the higher number of lawyers in this generation that has led to the neglect of young lawyers’ welfare? Are the seniors of today also finding it difficult
economically in the legal practice? Or have avenues where young lawyers of earlier generation earned little professional fees to lessen the pressure now open to touts? Or some very important reasons?
Whatever the reason may be, a considerable number of young lawyers are finding practice not just hectic or stressful but frustrating, and this is not because they  lack passion for the profession, it’s just that no matter how hard one tries, the more difficult it gets; guess the “result for more hard work is more hard work”. With profound respect and humility, there is no reason why a lawyer properly so called in this modern day should be paid N10,000 per month in any judicial jurisdiction in Nigeria – ‘things have changed’.
Nowadays, certain law firms turn a blind eye to the plight of young lawyers under their employ, don’t encourage BAR participation by paying dues and practicing fees, owe salaries for months and still desire punctuality and high performance. Whether we like to admit the truth or not, “motivation goes a long way in determining how well one performs at the workplace.”
It is an undeniable fact that there exist a few reputable firms that provide allowances of some sort, apart from monthly salary, to encourage lawyers under their employ. I heard of a law firm in Lagos that gives accommodation, wardrobe and ancillary allowances to young lawyers under its employ; even heard of a ‘thank God it’s Friday (TGIF)’ organised by some firms.  It is also no longer news that Nigeria doesn’t have many of such firms to suck up majority of young lawyers in the legal profession.
The future of the profession lies in the young and a better tomorrow starts from a fair today, the Nigerian Bar Association needs do more to ensure that law firms pay attention to the welfare of young lawyers, be it mandatory pupilage for a period of time, a minimum wage benchmark depending on location or put in place rules that would discourage firms from owing salaries from three (3) months and above.
It is understood that money might not always be available when you need it, however it is only humane for a young lawyer to understand in rough times if he is well treated in times of plenty.
I cannot say with certainty whether young lawyers of the olden days had it better than those of today, or if it is the same circle all over again, the true reason behind this change I also cannot say, but one thing am certainly sure of is the possibility that if we decide as a body of legal practitioners to change the way the welfare of young lawyers is being looked at today, it would go a long way to bettering the environment when Law School students and Law undergraduates become lawyers.

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