“In practice, it is the lawyer that appears before the court to present a client’s case, not the litigant.” – Abdullahi Haruna, Esq Some of us have been told stories in the legal profession of how a client walks into the law firm of a lawyer, briefs him on the facts of his or her case and requests the services of the lawyer. The lawyer. fully aware that the client has a bad case, advises accordingly, telling the client upfront the true position of things and that the chances of winning are slim, then the client goes an extra length in trying to secure the services of that particular lawyer and throws out an outrageous sum of money as professional fees to sway the lawyer, but as a minister in the temple of justice he turns down the offer. In another instance, a client walks into the law firm and tells a lawyer that he wants to appeal the decision of a lower court not with intent to raise substantial grounds of appeal rather to delay a successful candidate from reaping the fruits of his or her litigation, the lawyer knowing this turns down the brief irrespective of how much the client drops for the job. To some of us young lawyers, this might sound like a movie; how would you tell me that in this ‘Buhari regime’ and considering my poor welfare package and low pay check that am getting from a law firm, that I should turn down a brief of N20 million because a client has a bad case? It is true that overcoming a temptation of this magnitude would only take the grace of God. Let me explain why: when young lawyers give their best in contributing their own quota to the success of a law firm and the law firm in turn does not appreciate such efforts in kind, there is tendency of such lawyers to look out for means of hitting their own jackpot. Having said that, why not pause and consider the adverse effect such kinds of brief would have on the legal profession, the society, and the practice of a young lawyer. The courts of law take note of the style and practice of lawyers that appear before them. This writer was in court one fateful day when a senior colleague made an application, the counsel on the other side objected on the ground that the application was frivolous. The court in a well-considered ruling said inter alia that “this court has taken judicial notice of Mr. ABC for a long time and he doesn’t file frivolous applications.” A young lawyer looking at the huge sum of money placed before him or her (let’s say N5 million), might not consider or give his practice a thought but the problems that such money would solve. Money is very important and sometimes affords one a large share of happiness. However, a lawyer must not jeopardise the future of his practice for a case that is likely to leave a bad reputation for him in the legal community and even the society. The Nigeria Bar Association under the leadership of A. B Mahmoud, SAN, should do as they have promised during their campaigns and look for solutions to the dwindling situation of a young lawyer. If we want to promote ethical practice then we must be ready to provide an enabling environment where a young lawyer doesn’t see money as what directs his purpose and focus in the profession. This begs the question; how do we achieve such enormous feat? Many are of the erroneous belief that the moment young lawyers come into profession, all they seek from practice is money for a mansion or jeep and not knowledge. I beg to disagree. It is my humble opinion, that if a young lawyer’s monthly wage and entitlements from the firm can cater for his basic immediate needs, such lawyer would be dedicated to the cause of the firm and the profession with honest approach, thereby reducing significantly the tendency for one to engage in unethical acts. But then again, a young lawyer must not be greedy but be patient in doing the right things till the right time. A wise man once said, “it is better to light a candle, than to curse the darkness”. Godspeed! Do send your comment{s}, observation{s} and recommendation{s} to danielbulusson@gmail.com or like us on www.facebook.com/younglawyerscolumn]]>