NAN-H-82
Mentoring
By Magdalene Ukuedojor
Abuja, Feb. 17, 2017 (NAN) Some lawyers based in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday said that reinforced mentoring of young lawyers would enhance the quality of advocacy across the country.
They made their views known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
The lawyers decried the declining quality of advocacy in courts, adding that thousands of lawyers were being called to bar yearly, but lacked proper mentoring to uphold ethics of the profession.
Mrs Aisha Yusuf, urged senior lawyers to coach the junior ones, maintaining that the input of senior lawyers had produced many notable practitioners in the country.
“What is lacking in the judiciary I think is mentoring.
“We do have conferences and seminars, but the input of senior lawyers is mostly needed if we must see an improvement of our performances in courts.
“Even the best of us were mentored; so senior lawyers should not shy away from the responsibility of mentoring.
“It is our duty to groom the juniors; the resources and time spent on them in our chambers and in courts are very vital,’’ she said.
Mrs Deborah Osondu, a practicing lawyer, corroborated what Yusuf said.
According to Osondu, the impact on young lawyers will to a large extent, build them up to be the prominent solicitors the country needs.
“To fight the cause of human rights, social injustice and unfair labour practices in Nigeria, lawyers need to be daring and really equipped.
“It is all theory in the university and law school, the courts are the `practical’s, where they must prove themselves.
“While respect is accorded the senior ones as should be the junior ones need to be mentored accordingly.
“We know that judges, presidents of courts, senior advocates, started out as young professionals; the impact on their careers by those before them are far greater than what we see these days, “she said.
Mr Ibikunle Amos, another lawyer, also urged young lawyers to embrace innovative techniques for speedy proceedings.
“There are new ideas, innovative thinking, modern laws and international practices.
“While the young ones in the profession need to enhance themselves with the workings of the times, the senior lawyers should lend their support and encouragement.
“They should not be hung on the old order and pattern, but support them to grow the confidence they need to enhance this noble profession,’’ he said. (NAN)
MUK/KOLE/EEE
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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ese E. Ekama