A New Frontier of Lawyers
Seun Timi-Koleolu
Founding Partner, Pavestones/Mergers, Private Equity, Tech, Commercial law/2024 Africa Legal Woman Leader in Law Award Winner and 2021 Africa’s Partner of the Year/ Non-Executive Board Director
One of my favourite television series is the Good Wife (a legal series). For those who have watched it, you'll know there's a Judge (the Hon Patricia Lessner) who would typically ask the lawyers to start their submissions in court with the phrase "In my opinion".
Borrowing from that... "In my opinion", a new frontier of lawyers are emerging to take the business world forward. The traditional approach to legal service delivery, where the lawyers appear like "mini gods" telling businesses what is permitted and what is not permitted with little knowledge of the strategic and the commercial goals of the company is changing. The old school image of lawyers in all black, seeming like doomsday, relegated by many entrepreneurs to the back of major transactions, to be activated only when it looks like they are running into trouble, is also changing (although I must say ...I like my black dresses, they are quite flattering). The new frontier of lawyers, are a vibrant group of lawyers who are not just interested in the law and how to tell clients what is permitted to be done or what is not permitted to be done. They are a group of lawyers who are interested in the business of their clients, their strategic and commercial goals. They understand the importance of collaboration between clients, stakeholders and lawyers in moving businesses forward. They are interested in how the goals can be achieved legally and practical ways to achieve those goals. The new frontier of lawyers, roll up their sleeves and think through the transaction alongside an interdisciplinary group of stakeholders, with the client's success at the forefront of their minds.
This crop of lawyers recognise that effective legal service delivery in today's world combines 3 major skill sets, Legal Expertise, Business Acumen/Strategic thinking and Technology (last but very important).
"In my opinion", the face of the law is changing and those who are not moving with it might get left out. Watch out, the next time you call for your lawyers they might just come brightly dressed!
Pavestones is changing the face of the law, join us or be left out.
Written by Seun Timi-Koleolu, Managing Partner, Pavestones-The Urban Legal Practice. Discover more about Pavestones on www.pavestoneslegal.com.
Sustainability & ESG
5 年I remember her ???? Make a statement without indicating that it’s your opinion, and she goes “is that in your opinion?”????
Chief Executive, Public Interest Law Partnership
6 年"In my opinion", this is an important topic especially in this jurisdiction. Many lawyers are refusing to adapt to the changing times. You may be surprised at how many I've interacted with that don't even use emails! I hope they heed your timely advice.
Chief Digital Officer (CDO) | Digital Trade | Fintech | Board Director | Pan African | Payments | Author - Lagos to London
6 年Great article Seun!