The Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF), Ikeja Branch, continued its mission to empower young legal minds with a compelling and impactful session of its Monthly Continuing Legal Education Series, featuring Evans Ufeli Esq. as the guest speaker.
The well-attended event, held in Lagos and supported by the Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation, drew legal professionals from across the city and surrounding regions. Themed “Your First 7 Years as a Lawyer — The Trial and Survival,” the lecture delivered by Mr. Ufeli offered raw insight into the early years of legal practice in Nigeria, highlighting both the obstacles and opportunities that shape the careers of young lawyers.
A respected legal practitioner, public interest advocate, and founder of the Cadrell Advocacy Centre, Ufeli spoke candidly about the immense pressure and ethical challenges that young lawyers encounter, particularly within their formative years. He described this period as a "make-or-break phase" that demands more than just academic knowledge.
“The journey of a lawyer is one of constant trial — your resolve, ethics, and commitment to justice will be tested,” Ufeli said.
Drawing from his personal experiences, the speaker emphasized the need for resilience in the face of rejection, poor remuneration, and systemic frustrations. He recounted moments of hardship in his own early years of practice and how perseverance, rather than shortcuts, helped shape his career.
“Many will be tempted to compromise, but you must remember that your name is your brand. Integrity is not just idealism; it’s strategy,” he told the audience.
Ufeli also stressed the importance of courtroom exposure and developing strong advocacy skills, noting that many of the qualities that define great lawyers are honed in practice, not theory.
“There is no substitute for experience. Show up in court, take those pro bono briefs, and learn through action. Every appearance sharpens your tools,” he advised.
The lecture was interactive and highly engaging, with a vibrant Q&A session that allowed participants to ask real-world questions about navigating difficult work environments, dealing with intimidating seniors, and managing mental health under professional pressure. Ufeli responded with empathy and provided practical tools for handling stress, rejection, and workplace politics.
“The profession is demanding, yes. But if you stay the course and continue improving, you’ll rise above the fray. Adapt, don’t compromise,” he said.
The Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation, known for its support of educational and youth development initiatives, sponsored the event as part of its ongoing partnership with NBA-YLF to raise a generation of competent and ethical legal professionals.
Speaking after the session, the NBA-YLF Ikeja Chairperson praised Mr. Ufeli for delivering one of the most compelling lectures in the series so far.
“This session wasn’t just about learning; it was about confronting the truth of our profession and preparing young lawyers to thrive in it,” she said.
Participants described the event as timely and transformative. Many expressed appreciation for the honesty and mentorship embodied in Mr. Ufeli’s talk, noting that such engagements are essential for bridging the gap between law school and real-life practice.
The Monthly Continuing Legal Education Series remains a cornerstone of the NBA-YLF Ikeja’s programming, fostering the growth of a well-informed, ethical, and dynamic legal community. Through sessions like this, the forum continues to uphold its commitment to excellence, integrity, and the advancement of Nigeria’s legal profession.
