Young Lawyers’ Experience in Principals Hands Traumatic
He was called to the Bar in 2013. Ukwueze Emmanuel Kanayochukwu, an alumnus of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, shares his experience in the legal profession with Akeem Nafiu.
He is an associate lawyer at DAMBO & CO., a law firm at Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. Ukwueze Emmanuel Kanayochukwu, who was called to the Bar on November 29, 2013, attended St. Peter’s Junior Seminary, Bishopscourt, Asaba, Delta State for his secondary education and had his LL.B at UNN, where he graduated in 2012. He proceeded to law school, precisely Lagos campus and was called to the Bar on November 29, 2013.”
Law
On why he preferred law to other professions, Kanayochukwu said despite his love for the profession, he also sought the advice of his Government teacher before opting to be a legal practitioner.
He said: “Well, during my secondary school days, we were doing science subjects to SS2 level and I wasn’t doing badly. But a time came when I sought the advice of my Government teacher on what is most suitable for me as a profession and he suggested that law will fit me perfectly. I also loved the profession from outset but wasn’t thinking towards it until my Government teacher made this revelation and from then, I tailored my mind towards it and though it affected my getting admission on time, it surely came at last.
First case
Kanayochukwu’s first appearance in court was not eventful as he was only in court to move a motion for adjournment, which he did without much ado.
He said: “Well, my first day in court wasn’t really of a serious issue. I served in Rivers state and we were all posted to the State Ministry of Justice where I was further attached to the Directorate of Public Prosecution. Most of the matters were criminal in nature and the senior state counsel I was attached to believed so much in my confidence. So, my first day was merely to ask for adjournment as my principal who could not attend court wanted to take the trial herself. It was granted without hitches and I left the court happily.”
Pupillage
On his experience during pupillage, Kanayochukwu lamented meager salary being offered young lawyers despite the huge workload.
He said: “Sincerely, starting as a young lawyer remains the most discouraging part of this profession except for the very lucky few and it’s solely because of the poor pay package you get from law firms and the high workload and expectations from these firms.
But I will prefer being stressed and gathering knowledge to being paid well without a good grasp of the profession. My first firm was in FESTAC Town, Lagos, in 2015 and I was paid N25, 000 per month. However, for the six months I stayed there, the knowledge I gathered made me to succeed in the firm I am now and is still aiding me till date. So, pupillage for me is always a time of many regrets but by patience and diligence, I see it as a stepping stone to happiness.
Fond memory
Kanayochukwu further disclosed that a feat he achieved in 2015 when he handled a case and eventually won it despite being young in the profession will remain indelible in his memory.
He said: “My fond memory actually will be in 2015, when for the first time, my Principal, B. Dambo (SAN) gave me a case to conduct its trial when I just barely got hold of the case file. He was very doubtful if I could do it as I was just new in both the profession and the firm but I assured him that I can do it though inwardly I was terribly afraid. Due to my insistence and assurance, he allowed me to do the case. I later proceeded to conduct the trial personally and when the judgement came, we won and he was full of praises. It’s just God”.
Dream for judiciary
On his dreamed judiciary, Kanayochukwu envisioned a fearless and incorruptible third arm of government.
“The judiciary of my dream is a fearless, corrupt-free judiciary that will treat every case as the law demands without fear or favour. A judiciary that is independent and well-catered for.”
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