Igniting Your Journey: A New Wig’s Guide to the Bar
My Dearest New Wigs,
From Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, through Thursday, July 10th, 2025, you will have the distinct privilege of being called to the largest Bar in Africa and one of the finest in the world. As Cicero, the Roman statesman, once said, “The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience”. Your experience is about to begin.
On behalf of the Mentorship Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this outstanding achievement. This milestone marks not just an end, but a beginning, a “kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel,” as Socrates put it. We are thrilled to welcome you into the fold of this esteemed legal profession.
As you embark on this new journey, remember the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.: “The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions”. With that in mind, I would like to outline a few expectations that will guide you in your practice:
1. *Commitment to Ethics*: Upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism is paramount. Please note, “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do”. Your conduct reflects not only on you but also on the legal community as a whole. Always remember that “In civilized life, law floats in a sea of ethics”.
2. *Lifelong Learning*: The legal field is ever-evolving. Embrace continuous education and seek opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills. In the words of Napoleon Hill, “The way of success is the way of continuous pursuit of knowledge”. Ryan Holiday once said, “No matter what you’ve done up to this point, you better still be a student…It is a position that one has to assume for life. Learn from everyone and everything”
3. *Mentorship*: As a new wig, consider seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues. As Michelle Obama wisely stated: “One person might be senior and be wiser and have more experience, but I’ve learned a lot from the people I mentor”. Additionally, as you grow in your career, be prepared to guide and inspire the next generation of lawyers. Remember, “A mentor is a gift you give yourself”.
4. *Community Engagement*: The law serves society. Engage in pro bono work and community service to give back and make a positive impact. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity”.
5. *Networking*: Build relationships with fellow lawyers, judges, and other professionals. As Porter Gale said, “Your network is your net worth”. Networking is essential for your career development and can open doors to new opportunities. Remember that the true value of networking doesn’t come from how many people we can meet but rather how many people we can introduce to others.
6. *Diversity and Inclusion*: Embrace the diversity within our profession. Strive to create an inclusive environment where all voices are valued. Imbibe the words of Jesse Jackson, “Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth”. Diversity, it should be noted , is the mix. Inclusion is making the mix work.
We are here to support you in this new phase of your journey. There are some programs earmarked from time to time that you’ll be invited to partake in; do not hesitate to make use of these opportunities, so also are the several other Branches monthly meetings and other programs of the Bar that you should make use of.
Do not hesitate to seek the wisdom of the Mentorship Committee for guidance, resources, or any inquiries you may have. As you embark on your journey, remember that, now that you’re a lawyer, our mission is to make you a leader in this esteemed profession.
Once again, congratulations on this remarkable achievement.
Warm regards,
*Dr Kayode Ajulo, OON, SAN*
Chairman,
Nigerian Bar Association, Mentorship Committee
