As we usher in a new decade, it is time for young lawyers to start thinking about their goals for the next one. They need to make New Year’s resolutions that will put them on a trajectory for career success. Here are some ideas from TheNigeriaLawyer that might be beneficial in helping to make 2021 a stellar career year.

Get a mentor

It is settled that the legal profession is extremely deep. In order for the new lawyers to be able to navigate through the corridors of the legal profession, mentorship from older, more seasoned practitioners at the Bar is not mandatory but extremely necessary. The reason is simple: the older lawyers have already trod the path their junior counterparts are currently walking, so they can offer invaluable insights that can significantly aid the juniors’ journeys.

Start Developing Expertise in a Specific Area

It’s never too soon to start becoming an expert in a certain area. Specialization has become an increasingly popular trend among lawyers. As a young lawyer, now is the perfect time to start becoming an expert about something. New career paths always crop up on a daily basis and they include: sports; entertainment; Internet of Things (IoT); Smart Contracts; Data Privacy, Data protection & Cyber breaches; App development; Privacy Issues; Intellectual Property (and the current intricate web of areas that are interconnected into it); Blockchain technology; AI – the list is endless. And there won’t be a shortage of same.

With increased knowledge and specialization in the aforementioned areas, companies and firms would automatically seek out the savvy 21st century lawyer who is well versed in these esoteric, specialized worlds to deliver solutions-focused legal advisory services that can protect their businesses from potential liability.

Social media

As a lawyer if you are not on social media today then don’t let 2021 end without you creating account with Facebook, or WhatsApp, or Twitter, or LinkedIn or Instagram. If possible, have account with all of them. You need it for many reasons:

Social media keeps you up to date with happenings in the country and some changes in law. It is the commonest platform for reviewing actions of government along one’s lines of specialization. Citizens will be enlightened on the legality or otherwise of actions of government. They will be enlightened and hold government accountable.

Social media is also a good platform for personal and professional branding. It aids lawyers in selling themselves to the public; creating brand visibility and awareness for themselves and their law practice. Lawyers that can leverage personal branding/marketing efforts draw in a massive clientele that can see them and potentially seek out their legal services.

We agree with the saying that the highest earning lawyers are not necessarily those that know the Law, but those that can market themselves to attract the type of clients they want for their law practice.

So, until the 21st century young lawyers can learn to brand themselves personally and market their name (which may cost nothing more than an Internet connection and dedicated efforts), they may remain at the back burner while those who can leverage personal branding efforts take the lead in the legal profession and remain the high-earning stars of the profession.

Legal technology

The legal industry will be nearly unrecognizable in 10 years’ time as a result of technology,  so how can you stay relevant and ahead of the curve? Each lawyer is encouraged to embrace legal technology, i.e using technology in providing legal services.

Be computer literate. Drafting skills is very important, but skills beyond basic Microsoft Word is essential. You need to be collaborating with colleagues through Practice Management Systems, Office 365 and Google Drive, knowing how to use those tools is critical for future success. Maximize every opportunity to work with a colleague to create and edit a document, spreadsheet or presentation using Google Docs.

You also need machine learning or AI skills. AI is being used in law firms to review documents for discovery, legal research using automated searches of case law and legislation, contract and document analysis, proof reading and correcting documents.

Have email address. It has become the most popular and formal form of communication between lawyers and clients today. Be a subscriber of online Law Reports like Lawpavilion, NWLR, etc. They have made research easier for lawyers.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) skills

It is no doubt that the legal profession has its foundation deeply rooted in litigation as a major means of resolving disputes. However, things have changed. Most businesses would rather have their disputes settled via  other means which will not only save time but will not hinder the progress of their businesses.

Hence, ADR is gaining tremendous momentum and growing as fast as the frustration with court procedures. In recent times, the judiciary (though not in all States within the federation) have in some ways introduced other means of resolving disputes by establishing institutions such as the Lagos Multi-Door Court House, Citizens Mediation Centre and organizing programmes such as the Settlement Week which holds at various times within the legal year.  Some Judges also send matters before them for ADR.

It is important to note that all over the world today, most clients are seeking other means of resolving their disputes as they still desire to preserve their business relationships which litigation may not afford them. In order to create an avenue where their disputes can be resolved amicably without the long hurdle of litigation, most business relationships have found a way around it by imputing arbitration clauses in their contractual agreement from inception.

In essence, to be relevant in the 21st century, lawyers need to focus on ways of meeting their clients need by strengthening their commercial awareness and being ahead of the game. Lawyers are advised to take steps to acquire ADR skills. Such opportunity is available with Chattered Institute of Arbitrators; Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) and many others.

Networking

When looking for a lawyer, most consumers seek referrals from friends or family. In other words, you need to go to more networking events, both to meet other lawyers and to meet new clients.

These events don’t have to be boring—legal technology conferences, social gatherings, and local industry meet-ups can be valuable (and fun!) to attend. To connect with potential clients, consider networking events outside of your industry. Give talks at non-legal-specific events, get involved in your local community, and remember to mention to new connections that you’re a lawyer available for hire.

Also, keep in mind that networking isn’t limited to in-person events. Network online by joining professional groups on LinkedIn, and starting conversations around legal hashtags on Twitter. Clio Co-Counsel, Clio’s official Facebook community, is also a great way to connect with other lawyers online.

Learning doesn’t end with law school.

We know, it’s a challenge. You have been so busy during your first year or two of practice. Maybe you’re building your book of business as a solo or small firm lawyer. Maybe you are an associate in a big law firm and required to bill many hours. Remember, the best and most impressive law school education cannot fully prepare you for your life in the practice of law, even if you’ve done internships, externships or clerkships. Making time to continue to learn must be a priority, not an afterthought.

The best practitioners continue to learn from colleagues, through continuing legal education seminars, by observing others who provide both good and bad examples, and by being self-aware during your first legal activities. Don’t hesitate to ask well-respected lawyers, or more experienced colleagues or friends if you can shadow them for a day, or for a case. It’s a great way to learn.

As a new wig, you learn not only from your own cases and research, but also from observing more experienced colleagues during proceedings. You can also take online courses and leverage on certifications.

Join professional bodies.

There are many professional bodies within and outside Nigeria. Lawyers are enjoined to join as membership of such bodies cokes with benefits. It affords lawyers the opportunity to connect with their peers. You can share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker or become a member of a committee. You have the opportunity to learn about breaking news in a particular field, learn “best practices” or new ideas, hear about key achievers in your field and also meet and brainstorm with others who are also looking to share and learn new information.

Another benefit of enhancing your network is that you may find a mentor to help you with your professional needs or you may even be in a position to become a mentor to someone else.

Other benefits include information about seminars and training or certification classes that may be suitable for you. Most associations provide an enormous amount of access to resource information such as: case studies, articles, white papers and books written by experts in your field or area of interest. Also, major journal, magazine and newsletter access is provided as a part of your membership privileges.

Listing your association membership on your resume is impressive to current or future employers as it shows that you are dedicated to staying connected in your profession.

Some of the bodies include The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CiArb), International Law Association (ILA) Nigeria Branch, International Bar Association (IBA), Young International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria (CILT), Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Young International Arbitration Group (YIAG), Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) and many others

Obtain National Identification Number

National Identification Number is now Mandatory for all lawyers in Filing Court Processes, agreements and similar documents. This is provided by the National Identity Number Regulations (Government Notice No. 123) made pursuant to the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2007.

For the avoidance of doubt, Regulation 1 (1) relevant to lawyers transactions provides, inter alia-

1.—(1)“In accordance with provisions of section 27 (1) (1) of the Act , the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) shall be mandatory for the following additional transactions”-

(a)……………….

(oo) executing any contract or business agreement ;

(pp) tenancy agreements;

(qq) obtaining and processing of probate documents ;

(rr) all transactions involving the acquisition, use or transfer of parcel of land or landed properties ;

(ss) any transaction, contract or agreement for a valuable consideration and for the transfer of any interest, tangible or intangible;

(u) filing and registration of criminal and civil actions in courts or other arbitration process;

All lawyers who do not have are hereby enjoined to visit nearest NIMC office to obtain theirs.

Covid-19 is real

We are in a potentially difficult phase of the COVID-19 resurgence. As at December 31, 2020, more than 87,000 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in Nigeria. While 1,289 people have died from the virus, Over 73,000 patients have recovered.

Therefore, lawyers should adhere to recommended precautionary measures by wearing face masks at all times, observing hygiene and social distancing of at least six feet between one person and the other, washing their hands with hand sanitizers or soap etc

Apply for Notary Public (Check if the application is ongoing)

Notary public is a public officer and officers of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who is qualified to authenticate documents, prepare, attest, verify, witness, certify originals and copy legal documents for use within Nigeria, which also perform same functions in respect of international documents for use outside Nigeria.

Only lawyers of at least 7 years post call experience are qualified for appointment as a Notaries Public. They must also scale through the very rigorous screening process to test their professional ability and integrity are appointed as Notary Public. Example, an applicant must be vouched for by at least ten judges of the High Court of the state where he/she practices to be successful.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (Check if the application is ongoing)

The rank of Senior advocate is a privilege award conferred on candidates who have distinguished themselves in legal practice and have at least 10 years post call experience.

Candidates must have excelled in advocacy and in exceptional cases to members of the legal profession who are academics and have made substantial contributions to the practice of law. Candidates must have paid consistently as at when due his practicing fees and membership dues to the local branch in the last 10 years preceding his application.

Candidates must be of good character and must have no pending disciplinary case or complaint relating to professional misconduct against him. Candidates must also be competent with sound knowledge of the law, demonstrate clear qualities of leadership and loyalty to the legal profession. Candidates must provide particulars of contested cases as follows: 8 judgments of the High Court 6 judgments of the Court of Appeal 3 judgments of the Supreme Court.