WITH over 100,000 practising lawyers in the country, a legal expert, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN) weekend in Okada near Benin lamented the dwindling fortune of the legal profession interior country.
The eminent jurist, a scion of the popular Elias family of Lagos spoke in a lecture titled “Challenges and Prospects for Young Lawyers in a Firm in a Developing Society” at the 2017/18 valedictory session of Oba Erediauwa College of Law school Igbinedion University.
called on the Nigerian young Lawyers to be professional in the discharge of their duties to their clients rather than cutting corners.
Elias said that in a fast shrinking economy like that of Nigeria, it was cause for serious concern that over 4,000 young lawyers are called to the bar annually.
He lamented: “Over 4,000 lawyers are called to the bar annually. At present, we have over 100,000 lawyers in the country. When I was called to the bar we were only 500. The UK has the same number of lawyers but it is far bigger economy than ours.”
He, however, added that the United Kingdom with a far smaller population but a bigger economy have the same number of lawyers as Nigeria.
According to him, when he was called to the bar in 1981 only 500 lawyers made it then compared to the over 4,000 who are presently called to the bar annually.
The legal expert advised the young law graduates that as they sojourn in their chosen career, they must bear in mind the tenet of the legal profession and should not do anything that will undermined the interest of their clients with the hope of getting away with it adding that such is not possible as they will be caught and eventually become a reproach to the esteem profession.
“Do not think you will get away with cheating, with lying or in cutting corners or with self-centeredness. People will find you out if you have less than honesty and then you will become a subject of ridicule rather than a subject for emulation “, he said.
He said for them to be a good lawyer, they must know their area of strength and concentrate on it to be more efficient rather than dissipating energy or trying to cover all aspects of law as it can never be covered.
“Do what you know is most consistent with your primary obligation and also what is within your grounds, things that you can handle and not just all the things that are thrown at you.
” I think passion is important, your primary obligation is also important and your own capability are also very important. These are the three critical factors that you must put into considerations”, he said
Elias further encouraged them not to be afraid when they make mistakes along the line but should brace up as life achievements are not centred on the number of times one fail that how he was able to pick up the pieces together and forge ahead.
He also admonishes them to look for good mentorship, ask questions when in doubt, read books published by other legal experts to enhance their knowledge.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae asked the students to go to the Law School and be a good ambassador of the institution.
Te Dean, College of Law, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh charged the students to be hardworking and discipline and also avoid acts capable of tarnishing the image of their parents and the institution who have contributed immensely to their development
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