The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law 15th Annual Conference which will be held on the 14th of July 2020 has proven to be a useful forum for discussions on how young and budding legal practitioners can aspire and attain professional excellence.

In the Conference’s 5th Plenary Session moderated by Mr. Ayuli Jemide and Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe, the panelists Mr. Gbenga Oyebode MFR, founding partner in Aluko & Oyebde, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, founding partner in Banwo & Ighodalo and Dr Myma Bello-Osagie, Of Counsel at Udo Udoma & Bello-Osagie, where invited to share their thoughts on the central topic “We all have a story: Mentoring Interview”.

In an interesting and engaging interview style session, the panelists shared various insights on their journey to the top in the legal space. Responding to a question on how old a lawyer needs to be in order to step up their own practice, Mr Gbenga Oyebode noted that he was just 26 years old when he became managing partner in a law firm under the partnership of Ajumogobia, Okeke, Aluko and himself. Mr. Oyebode while noting that he was, as a young man, always in a hurry added that there is no age that is too early or too late to start when there is passion to succeed.

Mr Oyebode further said a lawyer does not need to be in a firm for ten years once they have learnt the right lessons. Mr. Asue Ighodalo while agreeing with Mr. Oyebode noted that he started off his own practice at about 30-31years of age, while Dr. Bello-Osagie added that it is not so much a matter of age or years of practice but a matter of maturity to handle the issues that come with running a firm.

The Panelists also noted that lawyers must realise that the practice of law is a business and must be hard working to succeed in the profession. Mr. Oyebode expressed concern that many lawyers do not pay attention to the business considerations to law practice as most do not understand a balance sheet. He said investment in acquiring business knowledge is essential for getting a head start in practice. He also advised young practitioners to ensure that they are known for something in the legal market, and acquire as much knowledge outside law as possible.

Finally, the panelists concurred that lawyers require patience in order to be successful in legal practice as the road to success is a marathon and not a sprint!