A renowned legal luminary, Joseph Daudu (SAN), has advised legal practitioners across the nation against relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and allowing societal stereotypes to dictate their professional judgment.
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The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) gave the advice at a send-off ceremony in honour of the 42nd Set of Externs in Abuja. The externs are from the Nigerian Law School, on attachment with the law firm of JB Daudu & Co offices in Abuja, Kaduna, and Zaria. The JB Daudu & Co Mentorship Development Programme Series is powered by the Rule of Law Development Foundation.
According to Mr. Daudu, the practice of law is not a tea party, adding that it may be one of the simplest courses to study at the university, but also one of the most difficult professions to practise in real life. He said practitioners usually undergo scrutiny from their peers and the public and are bound to be disciplined, to the point of disbarment, when they veer off.
“As modern-day legal practitioners, essentially of Gen-Z, be careful not to allow societal stereotypes to determine who you are and how you will practise this age-old profession. Many generations from the medieval ages have successfully practised this profession. It is not only about issues of mental well-being and safe spaces whenever you come under pressure.”
He told them that as a legal practitioner, they carry a great burden on behalf of society. “You carry the burden of ensuring, even at a risk to your personal comfort and safety, that the society you live in is a just and egalitarian society. You are not only a lawyer to the rich elite. You must and are expected to fight for and defend the rights of the poor, underprivileged, and downtrodden in your society. We are in an era where modern contraptions and inventions such as Artificial Intelligence, countless software in the IT world, robotics, and many others compete to offer legal solutions to lawyers.”
He gave an example of a lawyer who boasted that ChatGPT wrote a brief of argument for him within 20 minutes. “When he submitted the brief, it was discovered, to his embarrassment, that the app had loaded him with hypothetical and/or fake judicial precedents,” Mr. Daudu said. He further explained that those tools were what, in the past, were referred to as handmaids of the law. “They were not and would never be a substitute for the human intelligence quotient.”
According to him, one cannot remove the humanity from law or tar one’s cases with the brush of artificial intelligence, stressing that every case is different and requires a human touch. “Your personal skills and individual discretion in the execution of your client’s instructions are paramount and are the key to maintaining the equilibrium of a successful legal practice. For every professional act you carry out, financial gain is the least important; what is most paramount is the attainment of law, justice, and order in your society,” Mr. Daudu said.
He further gave his opinion on the state of the nation, touching on the Electoral Act, the proposed amendments, and the exercise of the prerogative of mercy by the president, as provided by the constitution. “While its use has sometimes sparked public debate, the enduring essence of the prerogative of mercy lies in its reminder that justice, though firm, must never be devoid of humanity. Ultimately, the true strength of a legal system is measured not only by its capacity to punish, but also by its ability to forgive when mercy serves the greater good,” Mr. Daudu said.
In the same manner, former secretary-general of the NBA, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, called on the externs to comport themselves in their duties and endeavours. The Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, was represented by Adamson Akinboro. He reminded them that they were constantly under the watch of their senior colleagues and that their professional conduct was being monitored. Mr. Akinboro called on the externs to be determined to succeed, believe in God, and continue to study, as the profession is dynamic.
Other dignitaries at the occasion, including the coordinator and the externs, expressed admiration for Mr. Daudu and appreciated the law firm for granting them the opportunity to serve.
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