LAWYER OF THE MONTH — EFEMENA ILUEZI-OGBAUDU

In the very first edition of the Lawyer of the Month series for 2021, we speak to one of the finest young lawyers in SubSaharan Africa. Asides from having massive professional breakthroughs in an uncertain 2020, Efemena Iluezi-Ogbaudu is up to a promising start in 2021. In this interview, we speak about finding his footing in the legal profession, making the most of opportunities, and the place of Nigeria’s legal education in a post-pandemic world.

1. Hello Efemena. Can we meet you?

Hi! There’s not a lot to know really. I work in the Dispute Resolution Practice Group at Strachan Partners and work in its commercial litigation and arbitration teams. I have occupied this role for 3 years now. I also serve as the Interim Coordinator/Secretary of the Justice Reform Project (JRP), a not-for-profit set up by leading lawyers and professionals with an overriding objective of holistic justice sector reform

2. You seem to have cut your teeth quite early in Dispute Resolution practice despite being regarded early on as a budding authority in Company and Corporate Law Practice. How did you make your foray into your new field?

It’s interesting, even to me, but I think the lines are very clear currently. As a practising lawyer, I have always been rooted in disputes. Even at university extra-curricular level, I was deeply involved in all things Arbitration & ADR. However, academically, my romance with traditional company law and corporate law has been second to none, not even arbitration. My time at the Nigerian Law School, as a student and lecturer, propelled my interests and reputation as a corporate lawyer and even sees me take on tasks in my firm’s corporate law matters till date. However, at the firm, I pretty much started out planted in its dispute resolution department. Working with one of the leading dispute resolution lawyers in Nigeria pretty much sealed things up. What the firm offers in dispute resolution exposure ranks as high as any other practice on the continent. This is, perhaps, not the same with our corporate/commercial practice. As such, it only makes sense that you learn from the best in what he’s the best at and become the best, especially when your interests are diverse.

3. Over the course of the past year, Africa Legal recognized you as Private Practice Most Promising Newcomer and you also made the final shortlist for The Future Awards Africa. What qualities do you think stand you out from your peers?

Honestly, I am not sure but I think it’s down to the opportunities I have access to and how well I have taken them. Not everyone is as lucky to have the access I have. Also, not everyone is as motivated to take opportunities as seriously as I do. So, it’s a mix of both. The reward for good work is more work and there is a need to be constantly consistent for real progress. I’m Christian, so, I would, obviously, highlight the God-factor. However, consistent with this and from a more practical point of view, I would say we all have gifts/talents and that once you are in a role that matches your gifts, it’s inevitable that you will flourish. I think that’s the case for me. I think I would also say that early hands-on experience, exposure and the ability to take responsibility also plays a huge part in career progress for young professionals. It did for me.

4. Congratulations on winning the first edition of the TNP Debate. What were your major takeaways from the competition?

Preparation is key. I do not think that I was the best debater at the competition, or maybe I was, but I think how I prepared really made the difference. The importance of preparation is a value Mr Candide-Johnson, my role model and mentor, always emphasizes and I never take this for granted. There is a Yoruba adage that says that even a cripple would escape disaster if it is foretold. I really like it cause the catch is that he would start running days before, so, he can get away. Also, I participated in this debate in probably the busiest period of my life ever. So, it was very back-breaking. I guess I also learned, again, that the only limits we have as humans are those we set for ourselves. Excellence is attainable.

5. In light of your recent win, how would you advise law students and young lawyers to approach opportunities (scholarships, competitions, fellowships, etc.)

Go for it! If there is anything you can try your hands on, do it. It will be beneficial for your learning and your reputation. It will open doors for you and will provide a foundation for a sterling reputation. One of the contestants, a friend, Hosanna has now been employed by TNP, the organizing firm. So, you can imagine. I remember not wanting to participate in the competition. I was convinced by Daniel Jayeoba (my brother and fellow contestant) to put in an entry and I threw one at the last minute. See where we are now! Interestingly, Daniel put in a late entry as well and made it to the finals. So, go for it.

6. Recently, there was a trend on social media about Nigerian lawyers not being creative. What’s your take on that and how do you think this affects the general perception of legal professionals?

I think it was a very unfair and untrue statement, particularly, of those of us in transactions. The bulk of litigation lawyers? Maybe not so much but the guys in transactions do very well.

I think it’s bad publicity for the profession, especially from a foreign investor perspective. Many foreign investors already opt for foreign counsel with Nigerian counsel playing largely insignificant and supporting roles on transactions, so, a Nigerian investor making that sort of comment makes matters even worse.

In any case, a lot of work has gone into capacity development for transactional lawyers in Nigeria and it’s only a matter of time before they are rightfully regarded. We just need to take opportunities as they come.

7. January brought some drama with the GameStop and Robinhood saga. Being fully abreast of these issues, are you in support of a regulatory framework that can limit “malicious trading” or other activities that can significantly alter stock market positions

Most definitely. It’s more “market manipulation” though, than “malicious trading” and some aspects of this are already prohibited by law, globally, for instance, insider dealing. However, law advances as society advances and this incident will give parliaments across the world something to think about. The market has always been subject to manipulation, though. I mean, it’s simply affecting demand and supply. It’s just never been this overt.

8. You’ve studied at the Nigerian Law School and you’ve been an adjunct lecturer. What do you think has to change with the entire training and professional certification system, especially as the normal calendar has been altered by the pandemic?

A lot.

I have made comments about the system of legal education at so many forums including a Justice Reform Project (JRP) conference, the 2020 University of Lagos’ Annual Faculty of Law Lecturers’ Retreat and in so many webinars including the recently organized ‘The Grey Discourse’ and I am, quite frankly, exhausted.

I would just say, however, that our curriculums and teaching methods have to mirror the practical realities of the day. Never has practice been so far away from academics as it is now, both from a content and ethical perspective. There is a lot to be done.

9. Any final words?

I generally do not believe in limitations. Unless you decide to limit yourself, there is nothing you cannot achieve. This is what I tell myself and I hope everyone else takes this. Set goals, no matter how unattainable they seem. Just make sure you have a plan and prepare. Stay focused on those goals. Shun distractions as much as you can. Stay determined and resilient. Keep pushing until you get there. And most importantly, believe in yourself and when you cannot, in something greater.

Thank you very much for your time, Efemena.