UNEC LAWSA MENTORING Session
Just a brief report of the mentoring session held yesterday - 18th Nov @ t he moot court complex of the University of Nigeria.
To most law students, especially those who were gracious
enough to grace the occasion, “The Mentoring Session” was a moment that would
not easily be forgotten. The session was as beautiful as the prominent ‘mentors’
who were affable enough to honor the invitation. Yes! The mentors were none
other than two giant and gallant females of the Nigerian Bar Association vast
in the knowledge of Law, Life and achievements. They are inter alia Miannaya
Aja Essien, SAN…….Go back and read that initials again. Why? How many females
in Nigeria have you seen or read about with the initials ‘SAN’ attached to
their names? That should give you an insight of the caliber that spoke and
enlightened dark minds that graced the occasion today. By the way, she’s the 7th
Female SAN in the history of Nigeria, and of course she’s majored in the “Oil
and Gas” sector too.
Boma Ozobia, the first female president of the Commonwealth
Lawyer’s Association (2011-2013) which is just one of her great accomplishments
amongst hundreds. Google her name and be marveled (and to know that you missed
out a lot)
Now to the occasion proper….. As I hurriedly walked into the
hall (Moot court, Justice Mary Odili Complex) late, I was awfully thrilled to
see one of our very own, and my good friend (notice how you easily identify
with successful people) Geoffrey NetoC Nwokolo anchoring the celebrated program
with his lovely co-host always by his side (hmmmm looking perky)
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| dignitaries |
I graciously walked late with all manner of confidence
because I thought (falsely I suppose) that as usual that the well known phrase
of “African Time” would hold sway, but to my bemusement, despite being 40
minutes late, I came at the 4th agenda of the seminar, the
section
where our enviable associate dean in the person of Prof. Okafor (looking
young
always sir!) delivering a welcome speech. I always admire him not
particularly
because of his overall intelligence, but his stature and how he looks
the
youngest amongst his peers. Later wards, Prof. I. P. Enemuo (the name
you see on
your Tort Textbook) gave her wonderful and beautiful speech who said
something
like “very soon, other faculties will emulate you” before handing the
mic over
to the anchor (a friend of mine and executive president of the advocates
movement, UNEC chapter) to introduce the wonderful guests.
An exposition on the highlights of their speech will do for
here and for now
They elaborately spoke on the characteristics that employers
are watching out for and basic skills that law students should have which will
boost their chances of success and prevent them from being in the crowd of “charge
and bails” (we thank God O!)
They are, in random enumeration:
·
First of all, Mrs. Boma said (which brought a
huge sigh of relief to many) that the use of Latin maxims in the English courts
are banned and lawyers are highly discouraged from verbosity and are encouraged
to use simple English for better communication. This is a background to the
first skill, Communication skill
·
Good research skills
·
Good negotiating skills
·
“You will have to go out there to market
yourself”. Sorry no one will do that for you (with exceptions, which is a topic
for another life-time). Marketing skills
·
Maintaining good relationships and having good
social skills
·
“We know you’re not experienced. What we expect
from you is your attitude to life and willingness to work” by Boma and also “we
employ on merit….no one wants to employ a liability…I want to delegate to you
and sleep well….I don’t want someone to give me headache”. Hard work and
reliability and consistency
·
Professionalism. “Ladies, don’t let your family
life be an impediment to your professionalism”
·
Research and find out a particular hobby that
your boss is fond of, so that you will have something intelligent and
interesting to talk about
From the second speaker; looking beautiful in her low-cut;
·
The skills required as a lawyer and as a student
·
who you are now is an image of who you will be
You don’t have to go to court to become a
successful lawyer, “but whatever path you choose, make sure you enjoy it”. Why?”
when I started out, my pay was horrible”. That’s why
·
Appropriate mode of dressing suits particular
jobs
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| my humble self - Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi @ the occasion |
·
The type of books you read forms 75% of your
vocabulary. So endeavor to read good and worthwhile literature
·
Hard work always pays. I mean, look at her (with
your mind’s eye). She started out with a miserable pay and now…. I leave you to
be the judge of that
·
Balance. “Apart from my sleep, nothing suffered”
(to all those who love to sleep, take heed)
·
Don’t have and over-exaggerated opinion about
yourself
·
As a
lawyer, people need to trust you @ 100%
