The 2025 NBA AGC will begin in Enugu this weekend and many of the attendees will be the freshly minted lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar this year.
The conference is the biggest networking event among lawyers in Nigeria. It usually comes with a lot excitement, fun, shock, disappointment, fulfilment etc. The young Lawyers and new wigs attending the conference for the first time should take note of the following to ensble them make the best out of their stay in Enugu.
1. The Conference is not another Law School– There will be different sessions during the Conference. Before you arrive Enugu or upon your arrival, look at the sessions and choose the ones you want to attend. You must not attend all the sessions. You must not dress in white and black. You can choose any decent colours of your choice. Nobody will send you back.
2. For Lawyers, the conference is a season of universal gaiety– While you are packing your luggage, kindly add enough party wears. The conference is not that serious. More than 30 different open and exclusive parties of Branches, law school classes, sections, election candidates etc will take place. Make sure you are ready to shindig. NBA Lagos undoubtedly organises the best parties. If you have friends that are members of NBA Lagos, start pretending that you like them so that they can get you into the party. NBA Abuja parties rock too. NBA Ikeja parties are usually interesting but sometimes they can count the samosa in your small chop to ensure it doesn’t exceed the statutory limit. They can even serve you wine the way Catholic priests serve wine to their congregation. NBA Ikeja na joke o.
3. Many lawyers will court your attention like seniors do in secondary schools– Don’t be surprised when some lawyers you don’t know walk up to you and try to be friendly. It is not unusual. The NBA election is next year and an aggressive but tacit campaign by the candidates is expected at the conference. Their supporters will be all over the place. Don’t make promises until you get a clearer picture of who all the candidates are or until you read reviews on the candidates. Attend all the parties by all the candidates as much as you can. Follow the courtroom Mail channel to keep in touch on the campaigns and candidates.
4. Network: The NBA annual conference is the biggest networking event among lawyers in Nigeria. Be intentional about creating new connections. Politely reach out to senior lawyers and mentors in that areas of law you are interested in. Be strategic. It works more when you meet them in parties and informal events. Everyone forms serious at the sessions. Engage them on contemporary subjects so that when they receive your call or email after the conference, they will recognise you. Don’t just share your details and disappear. That law firm you want to work with, boldly reach out to any partner and tell them you desire to work with them. It may not work but you will be proud you did. Offer to work for 3months without pay if you can.
Again, listen, you can get a wife or husband at the conference. Open your mind to whoever expresses his or her feelings as long as the person is not seeking your attention to treat you like a summary trial during the conference. You are not a conference material.
5. Check the following list: At the end of the conference, make sure you have achieved the following.
–Buy at least one book in your area of interest.
–Sign up for free on Courtroommail.com community of African lawyers where you can connect with lawyers from other African countries. Be intentional about growing your network across the world.
–Regularise your position with your branch to ensure you pay your branch dues and BPF( find out what BPF means)- This can help you apply for Notary public in a few years.
– Make sure you connected with at least three potential mentors.
– Make sure you took something away from the sessions you attended.
– Make sure you had mad fun
My name is Aduke and I wish you a safe trip to Enugu
