For the past five years, navigating Nigerian courtrooms as an advocate has been a whirlwind of interesting experiences. But one thing constantly sticks out: the vast disparity between what you learn in law school and what you encounter in practice.
My law school professors loved uttering that familiar refrain: "This isn't how it is in practice." I'm sure every Nigerian law graduate knows that phrase well. Back then, curiosity gnawed at me. How different could things be? The alternative was never really taught, so the stark contrast when I entered the real world was shocking, though not entirely unexpected. Some things were so drastically different, you started to question if you truly learned anything in school.
Landing my first real job after graduation was a blessing because of the invaluable guidance I received from senior colleagues. While it didn't eliminate mistakes entirely, it significantly reduced their frequency and ensured I learned from them, vowing never to repeat them.
For my junior colleagues just graduating or stepping into active advocacy, please don't let the disparity discourage you. I want to offer five "hacks" that have eased my journey representing clients in court over the past five years:
- Dive Deep into Your Case:?Before any court proceedings, immerse yourself in your case file. Read the originating processes, case notes, and client updates to grasp the prior proceedings. Research the relevant legal position related to your case. If you're moving an application, delve into the applicable laws and court rules, having them readily accessible – some judges expect argued applications, not just moving your application in terms. Over-preparation beats under-preparation. Even jotting down a script for your proceedings can be a huge advantage. If it's a trial, prepare your questions beforehand and anticipate the opposition's arguments, having statutes and case law ready to counter them.?
- Research is Your Weapon:Always conduct thorough research on the applicable laws and regulations relevant to your case, especially the specific proceedings on that day. Consider drafting a script for your arguments, but remember, it's a guide, not a script. If it's a trial, prepare a comprehensive list of questions and anticipate the opposition's potential objections. Be ready to counter them with relevant case law and statutes.
- ?Scripting for Confidence:Prepare a written argument and practice it. You don't have to read it verbatim, but it serves as a lifeline when you get lost. Even bullet points of your case can help you organize your thoughts and present a cohesive argument.
- ?Learn from the Masters:Observe how senior colleagues handle their cases in court. Take notes on new points, even if they don't seem immediately relevant – they might be invaluable later.
- ?Community is Key:Don't hesitate to seek clarity from colleagues and seniors whenever you face uncertainty about a procedure or legal position. Join online communities and group chats with fellow lawyers to discuss confusing points. Sharing ideas and experiences can significantly strengthen your courtroom memory.
I hope my experiences help someone avoid similar mistakes and navigate the gap between theory and practice more smoothly. Remember, we're all in this together!
