In a recent exclusive interview with media personality and CEO of Topnotch, Richytopnotch, renowned legal expert Barrister Ernest Okpunwa shed light on what it truly takes to thrive in the legal profession in Nigeria.
With over 12 years of experience at the Bar, Barrister Ernest provided a wealth of guidance for aspiring legal practitioners.
He stressed that the journey to becoming a successful lawyer starts with solid academic grounding, beginning with university education and culminating at the Nigerian Law School.
“Law exposes you to all facets of life,” he said. “A trained lawyer can branch into politics, law enforcement, accountancy, legislative drafting, or administrative roles. Law regulates every human endeavor, making legal professionals indispensable in all sectors.”
Addressing the rigour of legal training, Barrister Ernest described the Nigerian Law School as one of the most demanding academic institutions, ranked as the most challenging in Africa and the fourth toughest globally. According to him, its difficulty lies not in the complexity of the law itself but in the intellectual demands and strict structure of the legal system.
“It’s not about shooting guns or playing football. It’s mental. It’s about how well you can reason and express knowledge using just a biro and paper,” he said.
He was quick to dismiss any notion of shortcuts in the legal journey. To enter law school, students must excel in key subjects like English Language, Literature, and Government, followed by five rigorous years in university before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School.
“In this profession, it’s either you read for it or you leave it,” he declared. “Law does not care who your father is. There’s no room for favoritism—it is a profession of merit.”
Drawing a powerful comparison, Barrister Ernest likened the discipline needed in law to that of a soldier with his rifle. “From day one at the Nigerian Law School, you must be focused and serious. You can’t joke with it.”
He concluded by affirming the sacred nature of the legal field, placing it among what he termed the “three learned professions” alongside Medicine and Divinity. “Law follows you throughout your life,” he said. “You must have the passion, the calling, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a lawyer.”
The interview hailed as inspiring and insightful, has sparked meaningful discussions among young legal minds and law students across Nigeria, reaffirming the enduring value of dedication, merit, and discipline in the pursuit of legal excellence.
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