It provides a platform for expression for the more than newly created 30 practice groups of the Branch. These practice groups cut across virtually all aspects of legal practice including human rights, law enforcement ethics, consumer protection, anti-corruption, FOI, Immigration, law office management, counter terrorism, corporate and commercial practice etc. The Discussion series consists of weekly training in various aspects of law with a view of putting lawyers in the front row of nation building by showcasing the skills and potentials available in the branch. It also includes networking events and other social events with various partners NHRC, CAC, FCT High Court, EFCC, Ministry of Justice, ICPC etc [caption id="attachment_35201" align="aligncenter" width="560"]Unity Bar pioneers NBA Discussion Series and Young Lawyers Training & Employment Scheme Unity Bar pioneers NBA Discussion Series and Young Lawyers Training & Employment Scheme[/caption] In October 2016, the Branch had Training on Understanding Procurement Process which highlighted opportunities for lawyers, the resources persons at the Procurement Training were Seember Nyager of Public Private Development Center, Mr. Chibuzo Ekwekwuo of A & E Partnership and Engr Abu while the ES of NHRC was represented by Mr. Harry Ogwuche Obe. The other program in October was a training on Innovations in Real Estate Finance & Development: Opportunities and Challenges organised by Section on Business law Committee of the Branch headed by Mr. Kachy Okezie and had Mr. Chijioke Orji CEO of Law Quest as resource person and the Chairman of ICPC, Mr. Ekpo Nta gave the host remarks. In November 2016, the Discussion Series continues with training on Fiscal Responsibility Act, Anti Corruption, Tax, Customer Registration Portal of CAC, Gender and Domestic Violence and Human Rights. NBA Discussion Series 3 is a training on Understanding the Fiscal Responsibility Act holding on the 9th November 2016. The Second Signature Program of the Unity Bar is targeted specially at the younger lawyers. In January 2017 our Young Lawyers Training and Employment Scheme which is aimed at providing mentorship, training, networking, pupillage for young lawyers will take off. This will enable young lawyers acquire practical experience enough for them to secure befitting jobs through strategic job placement. Speaking at the November Branch meeting on friday, 4th of November, the Branch Chairman, believes that this is a means of encouraging pupillage in practice, select well structured law firms will be encouraged to take up lawyers for a period of time under this scheme with the option of retaining the lawyers after program. During the training period the young lawyers will be paid an allowance by the scheme to cater for upkeep, transportation etc. These programs and the creation of practice groups are the value proposition so far made in the Unity Bar and are in tandem with our five point agenda: empowering lawyers, creation and development of practice foras, funding of lawyers and scholarship opportunities, ensuring highest ethical value in practice and welfare of lawyers. We are poised to serve lawyers better as the foremost bar in Nigeria.]]>