By Shehu Uthman
From the background, it's critically debated on the socio-political thought of state creation that for a peaceful co-existence in the society there must be law that governs the affairs of the state, because no nation can thrive in a lawless society. This ideology widely extends to the broader conception of law and consequently the sole aims of which it was enacted.
But there comes a varying degree of perception among individuals with regards to the objectives of law: some would say that they obey the law because they believed it's instinctively necessary to do so while others would say law is obeyed because of fear of sanctions and the penalties one might face.
This long-standing controversy remains unresolved even among philosophers with formidable intellect. Therefore, the need of a lawyer does not only become necessary but also paramount for preserving the sanctity of rules and regulations in the society. This is why it's important to know more about the role of a lawyer and what it takes to become a great attorney.
Law is a challenging career considering its sacred nature of describing what's right and wrong as well as clarifying what perceived to be legal or illegal. In pursuing this career, law students are expected to be extraordinarily sound since they're dealing with dispensing justice, good conscience and safeguarding public policy.
With that being said, let's pause and then look at those qualities that every law student must possess in order to distinguish themselves in the legal profession.
First, the need for effective communication: The importance of effective communication in the legal profession cannot be over emphasized. Effective communication is anything but a tool with which information is rightly conveyed to the audience and it also serves as an instrument of persuasion.
As a law student, effective communication serves as a strong weapon you can used in convincing and persuading the minds of judges in the court rooms. This account for the reason why everyone has the believe that law students can talk everywhere and at any time when the need arises. It simply shows that the society expect much from law students because they are talkdrums of every nation.
But quite unfortunate that many students underestimate the art of effective communication, forgetting the fact that lawyers can't do without communication and this is where advocacy skills popped in.
Regardless of whether or not one want to practice, advocacy skills is very paramount and essential to the profession and as such, neglecting communication skills is not only a wrong idea for whatever reason but also it illogical.
Conversely, this very advocacy skills must be acquired from day one at our various faculties of law and not only during the short period at the Law school. Without mixing up worlds, law students must take their Mooting activities very seriously. Mootings are taking for granted by most law students but sooner would they regret that.
I felt like whoever knows the relevancy and importance of Mooting, will never afford to miss a single mooting competition even by mistake, talk more of taking it for granted. I don't want to be unjust by going more intense than this by blaming law students that are nonchalant or that sit back while Mooting Competitions are ongoing because it's just like blaming a child who is afraid of darkness, while knowing that naturally, kids are afraid of darkness.
But my heavy concern is that student of now adays are afraid of light. Meanwhile, they cannot go unblamed. One thing is for sure, those partaking in Mooting activities can never be compared to those that doesn't participate at all. The difference is always detected clearly beyond any peradventure. That is the emphases of Prof. Ibrahim Abdullahi, a SAN and a prominent Lecturer from the Faculty of Law, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) whenever he is delivering a Lecture at any orientation programmes.
Talking about Mootings is ironically an emphasis on the importance of advocacy which is also another form of communication which one will garner through Mootings activities. So, speaking with clarity and command, and coherency is, part and parcel of the profession and as such, inevitable. Therefore, even if you don't have interest in practising, learn the art of effective speaking because it's a skill on it own which you need.
In addition to effective communication, lawyers are Critical Thinkers. Lawyers are problem solvers in the society for that, it's essential for law student to develop and possess critical thinking skills. That is why law students are given problematic questions to solve during examinations from their 100L to 500L unlike other departments where students write exams by systems: through CBT method.
No matter how an issue is complicated, it becomes a burden to a lawyer to bring a solution to it because much is expected from him. Therefore, one important thing to note is that, such a lawyer must be able to reason logically. Following accordingly, lawyers are not just restricted to those that practicing alone, it goes beyond that.
The law makers (legislatures) need also be critical thinkers in order to be able to make laws that will make the Society better and not laws that goes to the root of our social values thereby, turning justice upside down and undermining the rule of law. Our legislatures being critical thinkers will pave way for accepting and adopting rules from international treaties that will tally with our cultures and not enforcing rules developed from developed countries to Nigeria, a country that is just developing.
No doubt, the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, meaning that law students of today will be leaders of tomorrow and the necessity to inculcate the habit of critical thinking by law students at different versity to avoid unnecessary imperfection.
The same thing applies to our judges, at universities level. There exists a judiciary which some students form part of, just like outside the world there. So, students are expected to depict a maximum of sound and tenable reasoning while delivering judgements.
Have you now seen that society expects much from you as a lawyer? In fact, that is how it ought to be. Therefore, strive for excellence. So, as a law student, you must be able to differentiate between ratio decidendi and obiter dictum while reading law journals, for it goes a long way in sharpening your thinking capacity.
Another important thing worthy of mentioning apart from the aforementioned qualities of a Successful Law Student is Hard Work. Though ‘hard work’ is just two words, its power is greater than Mount Kilimanjaro. Most people think that those with sharp memories are the only ones that mostly excel in academia. The bitter truth is that students who are assiduous in their field of endeavour succeed and excel than the naturally gifted students.
For me I believe nothing can replace hard work in parlance to hard work. Working hard, striving for excellence, remaining patient and being persistent go a long way in achieving one’s goal than any other thing you might think of. Experience has shown that the most successful personalities in the world are the hardworking people. Meanwhile, as a law students, you must read out of class rooms. You must go extra miles to learn what has not been taught in the class room and that will make you to be the best out of the best among your colleagues.
You must read when you feel like not reading, you must be awake when others are sleeping, you must read many other relevant materials even if others have restricted themselves upon the materials given by a lecturer. As an assiduous law student, you must not close your books during holidays till you resume, you need to read even during holidays. That will make you special and stand out brave and respected among your peers.
In a bid to improve and be better, law students are encouraged to go to chambers and courts to see and appreciate the beauty of real practice. These are things you must not undermine. And that are things you need to and not just to know but implement with immediate effect after reading this article.
Striving for excellence is something recommended in Islam. Allah encourages hard work and striving in the Qur’an, and He rewards those who put in effort. Allah mentioned in Surah An-Najm (53:39): “Man will have nothing except what he strives for.”
Accordingly, don't rest until you achieve your goals, go extra miles until your imperfections are better.
Moreover, it's very difficult for one to be a hard working person and persistent without perseverance and patience. Sometimes, a particular situation might be unbearable but by remaining patient and enduring, all will come to a past and success will follow. No doubt that at a particular point in time, one may be bored when the workload is so hectic. This is when some law students will start asking themselves “why did I choose to study law? This is what flows in their hearts!
Devouring through nine different text books is not something that one will dream of just in some hours. It need time, concentration and above all, sacrifice because it's easy to say than done. In fact, nothing will remain forever.
For the Muslims among the law students at various faculties of law in Nigeria, we can't do without theology in our day to day activities. Therefore, God has already made it clear that no condition is permanent.
Allah says: “For indeed, with hardship comes ease” Qur'an (94: 5).
Not only law students, striving for excellence is everyone's duty. God loves those that are hard working, persistent in whatever they are doing with perseverance. In the nutshell, Allah has already addressed what one needs to do to be successful and for sure, whoever sticks to it will verily be successful.
Allah says in Surah Aal-Imran (Chapter 3), Verse 200 from the Qur'an:
“O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.” (3:200)
Time management cannot be underestimated in the legal profession. It is essential for every law student to use their time judicially and judiciously, because time is precious and every second truly matters.
A law student must learn how to balance academic and personal activities effectively. This involves planning when to read, when to rest, and when to engage in leisure activities. Making and adhering to a timetable for all activities helps in maintaining consistency and avoiding unnecessary pressure.
Proper time management not only improves academic performance but also prepares students for the demanding and time-sensitive nature of legal practice.
Another important quality is excellent research ability. As a law student, the ability to conduct thorough and effective research is very paramount for producing sound assignments and presenting tenable arguments in moot court competitions, among others.
Legal studies rely heavily on statutes, case laws, and legal authorities, making research an indispensable skill. A student must be able to locate relevant materials, analyze them critically, and apply them appropriately to legal issues.
Mastery of research skills distinguishes an outstanding law student and lays a solid foundation for future success in the legal profession.
Morality and discipline also play a vital role in shaping a successful law student. Discipline is very important, as it influences both academic and personal conduct. Universities like UDUS do not only award certificates upon completion of academic journeys but also emphasize morality and good behaviour.
This reflects the ethical nature of the legal profession, which is governed by rules and standards that regulate the conduct of lawyers. Therefore, law students must be disciplined, respectful, and morally upright in all their dealings. Upholding good character is essential, as it builds trust and credibility, which are indispensable in legal practice.
Furthermore, good interaction with others is a necessary quality for success. Good interaction with people in society, as well as those we study and live with, is very important. Indeed, no one is an island, and success often depends on the support and cooperation of others.
Law students must develop effective communication and interpersonal skills to relate well with colleagues, lecturers, and members of the wider community. Respect for seniors is also essential, as the legal profession is structured on hierarchy and mentorship.
This is why seniority is highly regarded in the profession. Building positive relationships and showing respect for others help in fostering a conducive learning environment and preparing students for professional life.