Resist The Urge To Get Rich Quick, But Rather Concentrate On Improving Your Knowledge Of The Law, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN Tells Young Lawyers

* Justice Kafarati Commends Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN for Organizing Justice Oputa’s Programme for Young Lawyers

The Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice A.A. Kafarati has commended the Founder and Principal Partner of J-K Gadzama LLP, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, for the bold steps taken in mentoring young lawyers in the legal profession.

Hon. Justice A.A. Kafarati ably represented by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako made this remark while giving an address at the 4th Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Jsc (Rtd) Professional Training and Mentoring Programme for young lawyers which was held on Saturday, 15th June, 2019.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Justice Binta Nyako lauded the learned silk for birthing the very laudable initiative and organizing the mentorship program, while stressing that this was a first-of-a-kind event, and called on others to emulate the initiative.

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, in his remarks pointed out that the 21st century lawyer must work towards specializing in a specific area of practice. He urged Young lawyers to resist the urge to get rich quick, but rather concentrate on “improving their knowledge of the law” and “building a name/reputation” for themselves.

Speaking on the theme, “Building a 21st Century Legal Practice”, the speakers brilliantly dissected the theme from various perspectives and personal experiences, while advising the young lawyers present on dynamic ways to practicing law in view of the times. Dr. Ginigeme, during the first session emphasized on the need for young lawyers to undertake a thorough and continuous study of sensitive legislations, while working towards making positive changes in some questionable provisions of these legislations.

Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, on the other hand, highlighted the need for Young lawyers to build capacity, be diligent and improve on their knowledge of the law. He challenged Young lawyers present to be professional in all their endeavours, including billing their clients. On the final session, Mrs. Joke Aliu, outlined the attributes of the Generation ‘Y’ lawyers (those born between 1982 -2000). She urged these generations of lawyers, among others, to focus on a specific self development plan, to cultivate the mindset of solution providers, to be deliberate in their services and most importantly to be not just ‘learned’ but ‘learning’ people.

Adding to the flesh of the event, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, congratulated the participants and urged them to take advantage of the mentorship platform.

The event as a whole offered participants networking opportunities while providing a conducive mentoring atmosphere as it paraded an array of seasoned speakers such as: Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, SAN, ably represented by Dr Castro Ginigeme, a frontline International Human Rights Lawyer, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, Partner at Afe Babalola & Co. and Mrs Joke Aliu, Partner at Aluko and Oyebode.