By TAO Tugbiyele Esq.
Lord Alfred Denning advised that whoever wants to be a Barrister should go through pupillage. I can write a book on pupillage.
On the need for pupilage Lord Denning said:
“In order to understand what the law is all about, you must see it working in practice. You must see what a writ looks like; what the pleadings look like; in what way counsel gives his opinion, and how he conducts a case in court. That is learnt by pupilage”.
(The Family Story Lord Denning at page 93).
I will share my experience and the experience of others. I was called to the Nigerian bar on 18th July 1980. I did my National service at the Ministry of Justice Bauchi State. There were about five Lawyers in the Ministry. Mr. Ozor who later became a High Court Judge was the Director of Public Prosecution. The Attorney General was Malam Wakili if I remember very well. I was attached to the Ministry of Justice. I concluded a murder case, and the accused was sentenced to death.
I had the option of joining the Ministry of Justice either in Lagos or Oyo State my state of origin. I could join the legal department of a bank or company. There were job openings then. I chose to do pupillage in a law chamber or law firm. I believe I will learn faster in a private law firm. I wanted a litigation law office, I believed it will be easier to catch up with Solicitor practice. I saw some Solicitor practice when I did my internship in the law firm of Olajide Oyewole and Co in Lagos. I was prepared for private legal practice.
I was prepared to earn the low salary and the hardship it entails. I was prepared to go to court without a car. I bought a “disguise ” bag where I will keep my Barristers wear when going to court and leaving the courtroom. I chose not to join a comfortable Bank or company, I believed I will not learn much there. I chose not to go “solo” with my own practice. I was young and had no connection. I did not want to start my practice doing “dock briefs” or “charge and bail” briefs at the Magistrate Court. There was a law then that newly qualified Lawyers must do compulsory pupillage for five years. Some circumvented or disobeyed the law. I chose private legal practice. My fears to the glory of God ……
TAO Tugbiyele, Esq. was called to the bar 40 years ago this week. He is an ex-law school lecturer.
