Law Personality ‘Why NBA should look into young lawyers’ pay’
- nationalpilot
- Aug 9, 2015
- 5 min read
Alatise Nasir Taofeeq Esq is an Ilorin-based legal practitioner. The promising lawyer, who works with Wahab Egbewole and Co, a Law Firm of Prof Wahab Egbewole, graduated from University of Ilorin in 2013 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013. In this interview with PILOT JUDICIARY, he speaks about his experience so far as well as challenges confronting the young lawyers in the society. Excerpt.
What has been your experience since you were called to Bar?
The field experience has been very interesting, considering the fact that one has to experience the practical aspect of law. In the Nigerian Law School, we were taught the theoretical aspect of it. But right now in the profession, you will have to face the real issue and the court room advocacy. You will learn from the senior ones, live cases and many others. So, it's really a wonderful experience and I'm enjoying it.
And what are the challenges?
Like every profession, the challenges are always there. The challenges for young lawyers are there by trying to be up to date. You have to go through the materials and library to make sure you have up to date information about law practice. As a young lawyer, you ensure you are updated, basically. Though, the financial aspect is not encouraging, but we are contended because this is what the profession is all about. We have to be patient; don't be in a rush and you have to be contended with what you have with you at a particular moment. Though, we keep praying that as time goes on things will be better.
Do you also hold the belief that young lawyers are being exploited?
Personally, I will not say young lawyers are being exploited, but I’m very much aware that young lawyers are facing challenges. I have friends working with other law firms and I'm aware of the challenges they are facing. I don't know why it happens that way. And this is very unfortunate. The young lawyers are facing peculiar difficulties when it comes to remuneration and some benefits. It has been there, but we are only hoping that the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the national level would look into the issue so that things would improve. As it is now, things are not done the right way. The young lawyers are made to pay their practising fee every year and therefore, we want a commensurate responsibility from the NBA. We are very much aware of what is going on in other professions like, Medicine and Engineering; Law being a noble profession should not be left out. The national NBA should rein in on the principals, not all of them, but majority of them. Truly, young lawyers are learning but we can't learn on empty stomach. Parents have laboured to ensure many of us went through the law school and so, they are not expecting any story. The responsibilities are there whether you are a young or old lawyer. Basically, I think NBA should do something about it. I also want to call on the Principals to also look into the matter because young lawyers need to be well remunerated and taken care of.
Why did you study law?
Initially, I did not want to study law, I wanted to study Mass Communication or Political Science. But I got admission to study Library and Information Science at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa. Along the line, I was reading a story about the late sage Obefemi Awolowo where he was quoted to have said “The best politicians are lawyers.” I was moved by the statement because I was interested in politics, not as a politician, but a political scientist. It was actually at that point that I developed much interest in studying law.
On the other side, would you say you studied law because of its lucrative nature?
As it is, Law is not a lucrative business. It's just a noble course. If you are looking for money don't go into law. It is just stereotypical that law is a lucrative business. There is no money in the profession. As a matter of fact, the foundation of the profession is just to serve the society. The lawyers serve the society because that is what we are made to do.
Do you think the lawyers we have now are really serving the society?
Yes, lawyers are doing their jobs. Of course, we have here and there some behind the scene deals. Basically, I believe lawyers are doing their jobs. Every day you go to courts, you see lawyers doing their jobs. So, you can imagine litigants or disputants living in the society without lawyers. At the High Courts and Magistrates, you see lawyers there and what are they doing? They are defending people who are in one way or the other being short-changed either as an accused person or complainant. We have the job to ensure an equilibrium society where there would be law and order.
How would recall your first appearance in court?
It was a wonderful day. It was during my NYSC in Kebbi State Ministry of Justice. Then, I also attached myself to a private law firm, Chief Magnus Ihejirika and Co. I was able to handle a matter at the Court of Appeal. It was a land matter and also the first case I handled myself. The case was slated for hearing and fortunately for me, the case was decided in our favour. That happens to be the first judgement I got. My first judgement was at the Court of Appeal. However, while in court as a young lawyer, the sign of trembling will be there.
Do you subscribe to the call for the scrapping of the SAN rank as being pushed by some lawyers?
Basically, I don't support that the rank should be scrapped. When I was in the university, I belonged to the school of thought that the rank has outlived its usefulness and that it should go. On second thought, I realised that in any profession or any endeavour, there is a mechanism with which those who have excelled will be rewarded in the profession. The rank should be sustained. However, the rank should be reviewed because it is not just making any sense that people who deserve the rank in the society are not being given because of the political leaning or because of their records as Human Rights lawyers. So, I believe the rank should be sustained; however, it should be reviewed to ensure those who deserve it are not left out.
Where do you see yourself in the next ten years as a lawyer?
In the next ten years, I see myself as a successful lawyer because I love the profession and that is why I'm here. It is my prayers that God lead me through the turbulent waters to ensure I make it to the top. Also, I want to be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). It's my prayer because I respect that title and I respect those who wear it.
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