MY LEGAL JOURNEY

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MY LEGAL JOURNEY

{Part 1}

INTRODUCTION

●????? Embarking on an eleven-year legal journey, I welcome you to accompany me as I contemplate the challenges, victories, and insights gained while navigating the complexities of justice. "My Legal Odyssey" is more than a courtroom narrative; it provides inspiration and insights for individuals forging their own paths to create an impact in the legal realm.

●????? How the Journey Began

Eleven years ago, I sat for the bar examination. It was indeed a challenging one. Infact, I had to drop my blackberry phone at home and traveled for the exams with a touch light phone because of distractions. I have had how difficult the bar exam was and how people failed hence, I promised myself I was not coming back to re write this exam. I must make it once and pass. I spoke to myself, Ayobami this phone would distract you, we all know the popular ping! ping!! sound from bb back then. I thank God I listened to myself. I wonder how students cope with social media nowadays with TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, tweeter and all. During that period, Facebook was in vogue despite that, I decided to keep my phone under my box. I would excel, then come back for you (my phone).

Before I sat for my first paper, I could remember I lamented to my Dad on the phone because I was tired of reading but he encouraged me. I saw remembered how a friend in Kano campus encouraged me to read Psalm 55 because the more I read, the less I remembered. It seemed I was not prepared enough. As I glimpsed the question papers, a smile replaced my uncertainty even though corporate law was not friendly at all, very voluminous and tasking. I can’t but appreciate our lecturer Pastor Osamolu, the corporate law guru whose style of teaching was excellent, his tenacious efforts dismantled the difficult course. I found civil litigation most intriguing though also voluminous but I love drafting and presentations. I conquered my fear and stage fright at the law school. I spoke to myself, Ayobami if you want to excel and succeed as a lawyer, you must learn how to face the crowd and speak. Whenever students were being nominated for presentations, I always made myself available particularly in civil litigation class. I appreciate Mrs Oba who did justice to that course. As a student, you must learn how to draft well if you don’t want to toy with failure. Talking ??about criminal litigation, I found it so easy to understand and assimilate because of its engaging and intriguing? ?case studies. Little did i know that i would start my legal career as a State Counsel cum Prosecutor.

When the bar results were released, the fear of the unknown loomed. No matter how prepared you are, when result of anything is to be seen, fear would surface. I had dreamt severally that I appeared before supreme court Justices so I was a bit? convinced that I would pass the bar exam. I was at my cousin’s house when I checked the result and network was behaving funny, my heart was beating like a drum. Boom! I made it. The happiest day of my life was the day I checked my bar result and I excelled.

Fast forward to the deal day, My parents, siblings and extended came with me to celebrate in Abuja. It was indeed a memorable day. I entered the hall and I felt the peaceful and beautiful ambience, an indescribable joy was felt inside of me with goosebumps as we donned our wigs. Seeing the body of benchers, my parents brought me excitement. The inner joy was unquantifiable. Parents were later excused and my father out of curiosity asked if we were indoctrinated*smiles*

After being called to the bar, my legal journey began, starting with a bit of challenge as a youth corper and in the department of public prosecutions. My initial courtroom experience unfolded before Justice Abass (RTD). I extend my gratitude to Aunty Olumide Ojo, (as I fondly called her) my esteemed senior colleague, for providing me with the opportunity to learn the law as a youth corper. Little did I anticipate that this experience would eventually lead me to become a fully-fledged State Counsel However, the experience evolved into something truly interesting. ?As a prosecutor and advocate for gender issues, handling emotionally challenging cases over the years could potentially take a toll on my emotions and cause significant trauma. However, being a well-trained lawyer means not getting carried away or becoming overly sentimental about cases. This is evident when you witness lawyers engaging in heated arguments in court, yet afterward, they can still come together to exchange pleasantries. Legal practice to me is not just a profession but an eye-opener—a career I hold dearly. I’m elated that my dream materialized, even though, amusingly, during the jamb form filling, I initially wrote “English language.” My uncle wisely suggested replacing it with “law,” reminding me that those studying law aren’t superior.

The Importance of having supportive mentors became evident early on unlike a friend from secondary school, who often relished pulling me down, created a different narrative when I expressed my aspiration to study law. Her skepticism and discouragement, though, are tales for another day.

People might wonder why I didn't emphasize or celebrate my 10 years at the bar as much as I've dedicated attention to my 11 years. I believe there's a time for everything, and sharing my journey now is a way to inspire everyone to strive for excellence. Eliminate any distractions hindering your progress until you achieve your goals. Be determined to reach your objectives, and surround yourself with supportive individuals who uplift and encourage you, steering clear of those who might try to bring you down out of jealousy or envy.

Now marking my 11th anniversary as a lawyer, I find joy in having positively impacted lives, contributed to society, and worked towards cleansing it from various menaces. I’m grateful for the guidance received and remain committed to offering my services for the betterment of humanity.

To Be Continued……………..