"Law Practice Gives A Practitioner An Opportunity To Make Name, Make Money, And Make Fame"

COULD YOU BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF? My name is Miracle Chimdiebube Akusobi, I hail from Umuna in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. I attended Urban Secondary School, Orlu before proceeding to study Law at Imo State University, Owerri, where I held several positions such as Attorney General of S.U.G.13th Republic, Senior Advocate of LAWSA, Chief Litigation Officer, Assistant Class Representative etc. I graduated with Second Class Upper Division. I attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus of April 2014/2015 set and was called to the Nigerian Bar on 21st October, 2015. I started my legal practice at Bayo Ojo SAN & Co where I was mentored by Messrs Taiye Oniyide, and Alex Owoeye. Prior to my call to the bar, I was a legal intern at Vin Onyeka & Co for over four (4) years. Truly, I began to learn law practice from Vincent Onyeka Esq who laid a good foundation of what my future may look like. I am currently an Associate at Sholanke & Sholanke, and the Managing Partner of Threshold Attorneys & Solicitors. I am based in Lagos State and in active practice. WHAT AREA(S) OF LAW INTERESTS YOU? My key interests in law practice are Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Real Estate. However, I have considerable interests in Oil and Gas, aviation, maritime, and gamut of Corporate and Intellectual law practice. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LEGAL PRACTICE Firstly, there are several opportunities, Good luck, and privileges in law practice. With great passion for law practice, one can become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Attorney General of the Federation or State, Government appointee, Legal adviser in Government institution, companies etc, a Professor of Law, appointee in several international organizations etc. Secondly, Law practice gives a practitioner an opportunity to serve mankind. Being a Legal practitioner gives someone an opportunity to reach out to people who needed help. Law practice is a good platform where you give your best and receive abundantly. Thirdly, law practice gives a practitioner an opportunity to make name, make money, and make fame. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A LAWYER. I gave a serious consideration of becoming a lawyer sometimes in 2002 when I was in primary Six. I was 12 years Old. My parent saw my ambition to study law, they supported my dream and enroll me into Legal Education. I can remember when I represented my school in a Drama concert called ” Incorruptible Judge”. I was an advocate in the concert, I presented good argument, and got a lot of gifts from spectators. Being a lawyer offers me an opportunity to serve my Society, advocate for the oppressed, and feel important in the society. WHAT IS YOUR MOST CRITICAL TIME IN PRACTICE YOU HAD TO DEAL WITH Facing challenges is inevitable in law practice. However, I read a lot such as Law Reports, Books, Write-ups, Articles, Journals, online news etc. I have several Senior Colleagues to consult for guidance and direction. I consult my practice note also. I learn from my Senior, my call-mate and junior colleagues. No one is an island in law practice. Therefore, I ask questions, raise controversial issues, contribute to issues, and ready to learn from contrary opinions. We have Lagos Campus 2014/2015 Watsapp and Facebook page where we throw our challenges and get quick solution. WHAT DO YOU THINK DETERMINES PROGRESS IN PRACTICE Your progress in law practice requires Your God, Yourself, and Your Destiny. Your success in law practice can be determined by a measure of Good luck, hence God provides an abundance of opportunities at some time or the other. Also, Law practice is like a pyramid. The base is crowded, you have to work hard to get there and you have to work harder to remain there. I always say that Law is a Utility subject, and hard work makes a practitioner marketable. HAVE YOU EVER BENEFITED FROM YOUR DISAPPOINTMENT/MISTAKES My first worst experience was my Law School grade. It hits me hard when I discovered how bad law school grade students. I worked so hard to make First Class but Property law kept me in the dark. It took me for over Seven months to forget my grade. I wanted to work in any top notch litigation law firms such as Aluko & Oyebode, Aelex, Babalakin & Co, Ajumogobia & Okeke. I got frustrated when some of them invited me but questioned my law school grade. I showed them my result which has Four A’s out of the Five Courses with one lowest grade. However, I benefited from the above disappointment. Where I started and where I am made me believe that success is not by School grade(s). WHAT ARE YOUR OUTSIDE INTERESTS AND HOBBIES I love football ( both playing and supporting). I am a core supporter of Barcelona FC. I like reading Literature and inspirational books. I like discussing our Political, Social and Religious System. COULD YOU TELL US YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A YOUNG LAWYER To be a young lawyer is the hardest stage in the legal profession. I have passed through misfortune of working hard and earning little. However, patience and smartness kept me moving. It is pitiable amidst bad that the great Nigerian Bar Association has neglected, failed or refused to bring to bear the welfare of Young Lawyers. Most Young Lawyers earn in a month more than what some bus drivers are earning in a week. Some lawyers in the East are not paid, some married female lawyers collect transport fare from their husband to go to work, Most young lawyers jumped bus to work everyday. It is unfair, inhuman, and it is wicked. As a young lawyer, I am facing both good and bad from my employer. However, my independent stance makes me leave comfortable. WHO HAS BEEN INFLUENTIAL IN YOUR LIFE My gratitude goes to my parent, they did not allow me to go astray. I was nurtured with the Word of God because of their Christian life. I observed the rigid doctrine of Assemblies of God Church when I was growing up. Also, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, Mallam Yusuf Ali SAN and Chief Lateef Fagbemi SAN are my great admirers in the legal profession. When I look at their achievement, I get more encouragement to stick to litigation as one of my core practice areas. By God’s grace, I will get their in future. Litigation is in my blood. YOUR WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO UPCOMING LAWYERS. There are several professional business and opportunities in the legal profession. As an upcoming lawyer, don’t start with specialization but with a general knowledge of almost all aspects of law. Always read your books and law reports etc. Books are to a lawyer what tools are to a farmer. A Friend and a senior Colleague per skillful advocate; Chukwuemeka Nwigwe Esq once said “I always advice young lawyers to read and enhance themselves, it is only the law you know that will set you free from induced poverty”. This statement is true for upcoming lawyers. Finally, having good knowledge of the law, constant practice of the law, and Good legal skills make a lawyer wealthy.]]>