DAMILARE Ojo: Poor Salary Being Paid To Young Lawyers Is A Great Menace To The Legal System

I am DAMILARE Ojo, a legal officer at the Nigerian Bar Association.From Ikole Ekiti. Born into a family of 4 (3 boys and 1 girl). I am the second born and second son. Currently single and ready to mingle Your academic background Secondary school at Westminster College Lagos 2003-2009. Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State 2009-2014. Nigerian Law School, Augustine Nnamani Camous, Agbani, Enugu. 2014- 2015. Nysc at Ministry of Justice, Oyo State 2015-2016. Why your choice of law? I choose to study law because of the use of law as a social engineering tool in developing the society. What is your alternative career, should law not be the avenue for you? If law did not work out I would have studied any course that has to deal with administration and management. What was your solo appearance as a new wig in court? My first appearance in Court alone was against one female Senior Advocate of Nigeria in Ibadan when I was undergoing my compulsory one year NYSC scheme. The matter was for continuation of examination in chief of the plaintiff. It was a very amazing experience as I got to argue law against someone of so many years of experience. I was able to learn a lot that day. Today is a special day how excited are you about it? I am excited about today because it makes me realise how close I am to attaining my goal. What do you like most about legal practice?‎ What I like the most about the legal profession is the diversity I.e. a legal practitioner can be part of any set up. What do you feel are the things that can help a person become successful in practice? I do not think I am in a good position to answer this question owing to the fact i am not into practice (litigation). However, one thing that can help one become successful lawyer in practice (litigation) is constant quest for self development and dedication to all matters under your care. In way do you think the judiciary can improve on dispensation of Justice? The judiciary can improve in the dispensation of justice if and only when the judiciary in its entirety is purged of corrupt judges. Who has been most influential in your life? The most influential person in my life so far has been my mother Mrs Adejoke Moyosade Ojo. What do you have to say about the poor or no salary payment to young lawyer? The issue of poor salary being paid to young lawyers is a great menace to the legal system. However, I urge young lawyers to remain dedicated and focused as the profession is a long term one and in due time success will come. Are you better working alone, or as part of a team? I prefer working with a team of focused minds. If I do not have those kind of persons I would rather work alone.]]>