CONTRIBUTOR: Idowu Jesutofunmi
INTRODUCTION
The period following the Call to Bar is often filled with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. For many new wigs, it marks the beginning of an entirely new phase, one for which Law School has laid an academic foundation, but not necessarily a practical one. At this stage, many find themselves eager to contribute meaningfully yet unsure of where or how to begin. It is a time that demands clarity, focus, and guidance, yet such guidance is not always readily available.
The realities of legal practice, client engagement, time management, personal development, and professional growth are rarely addressed within the confines of formal legal education. And yet, these are the very areas that will shape your career in the years ahead. The transition into active legal practice requires more than just legal knowledge; it demands emotional intelligence, professional judgment, and the ability to adapt. Understanding this early can make the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving in the profession.
My objective is simply to share with you, from the standpoint of experience, certain lessons I have learned in the course of my journey as a legal practitioner. These are insights I believe will serve you well as you transition from academic theory to real-life legal practice. They are drawn not just from success, but also from the challenges, mistakes, and moments of reflection that have shaped my career. I hope they will provide clarity, encouragement, and practical value as you begin your own journey in the legal profession.
FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE: REFLECTIONS ON THE EARLY YEARS OF LEGAL PRACTICE
Having made the transition from Law School into practice myself and having observed many young lawyers do the same, I have come to appreciate that there are lessons no textbook, lecture, or examination can fully prepare you for. These lessons are shaped by experience, mentorship, trial and error, and a willingness to evolve with the profession.
Permit me, therefore, to share with you a number of reflections which I believe are essential for every new wig stepping into the realities of legal practice. These are not abstract ideas, but practical insights that will serve you well as you build competence, confidence, and character in the years ahead.
- Law School is not Legal Practice: One of the most important truths is that legal knowledge is not the same as legal practice. In practice, you will find that cases are rarely straightforward, clients may not present facts clearly, opposing counsel may be combative, while Judges may expect clarity and precision from you under pressure. Legal practice is more than knowing what the law says; it is about understanding what to do with the law in each unique circumstance. That understanding only comes with time, observation, and a willingness to learn beyond what was taught in the classroom.
As a young lawyer, I approach every assignment as an opportunity to build this practical knowledge. Read files thoroughly. Watch proceedings attentively. Ask questions respectfully. The sooner you start bridging the gap between theory and practice, the faster you will find your footing.
- Your Degree is Only the Beginning: It is important to understand that being called to the Bar is not the final achievement; it is the formal beginning of a much longer and more demanding journey. Your law degree and Call to Bar certificate open the door, but they do not automatically grant you mastery, respect, or success in the profession.
The legal industry values competence, reliability, and professional character. Your performance on the job, not your certificate, is what will determine your reputation.
This means you must be intentional about growth. Learn how to research effectively. Improve your writing. Observe how your seniors approach cases and clients. These are the attributes that turn young lawyers into trusted professionals.
- Learn to Communicate Like a Professional: One of the most underestimated skills in legal practice is communication. It is not enough to know the law; you must also be able to express yourself clearly, respectfully, and persuasively. Whether you are drafting a process, writing an opinion, sending an email, or addressing the court, the way you communicate will shape how you are perceived and how effective you become.
Make it a point to improve your writing and speaking skills. Edit your work carefully, watch how your seniors make submissions and read good legal writing. In law, words are your tools and should be used with precision and care.
- Pay Attention to the Business of Law: Law is a noble profession, but it is also a business. Many young lawyers enter practice with the expectation that hard work alone will lead to success. While diligence is essential, it must be combined with an understanding of how law firms and legal services operate commercially.
You must learn how to manage time, handle clients, and understand the value of your work. Every legal task, whether it is research, drafting, or appearing in court, should be charged for. Law firms run on structure, efficiency, and accountability. Developing awareness of billing practices, file management, and client relationships is crucial to your growth and relevance.
- Find Mentors, Not Just Employers: Mentorship is a valuable asset in your early years as a lawyer. While employers may give you work and structure, a mentor gives you perspective, guidance, and support. Law is a profession built on tradition, experience, and continuous learning, and a new wig should not try to navigate it alone.
A good mentor helps you avoid common pitfalls, pushes you to grow, and mentorship may come from a senior in your firm or even a judge. What matters is your willingness to listen, learn, and ask questions. Ask for feedback, be teachable, and value correction.
- Build a good Reputation: In the legal profession, your name is your brand. Long before you are known for winning cases or handling complex transactions, you will be known for your attitude, your ethics, and your reliability. The profession is small, and reputations, whether good or bad, travel quickly. As a young lawyer, you must protect your professional integrity, be punctual, honest, respectful and hardworking even when it is inconvenient.
Avoid gossip, shortcuts, and anything that undermines the dignity of the profession.
- Build yourself in Law and Other Areas: Being called to the Bar is not the end of learning; it is only the beginning. The legal profession is dynamic; Laws change, technology evolves, and you are expected to be abreast of such changes. To remain relevant, you must commit to continuous personal and professional development.
Beyond the knowledge of law, you will need skills that were never taught in law school: time management, emotional intelligence, digital literacy, client relations, and even basic finance.
- A Different Path is not Necessarily a Wrong Path: In the years following Call to Bar, it is normal to compare your journey with that of your other mates. Some may secure a job at top law firms, others may go into government institutions, corporate organisations, NGOs, academia, or even non-legal fields. You may find yourself questioning your pace, your choices, or your direction. But always remember: there is no single blueprint for success in law.
Trust your journey, be open to new opportunities, but remain grounded in professionalism and integrity. The legal profession has room for various talents to find your place, and give it your best.
CONCLUSION
The transition from Law School to legal practice is a significant one. Just like I have said, it requires not only the application of legal knowledge but the development of sound judgment, professional discipline, and a commitment to continuous learning. The early years of practice often set the tone for the kind of lawyer one becomes, and it is therefore important to approach this stage with intentionality and focus.
The insights I have shared today are not exhaustive, nor are they the only lessons that matter, but I trust they will provide a useful perspective as you begin your journey in active legal practice. As you move forward, I encourage you to pursue excellence, uphold the ethics of the profession, and remain open to learning at every stage. The legal profession is demanding, but it is also deeply rewarding for those who are willing to do the work with sincerity and resilience. I wish you every success in your career, and I look forward to the contributions you will make to the advancement of the profession.
