Getting a job as a legal practitioner has gone beyond being able to satisfy the interview that you have the mental intelligence to work as a lawyer. You now need, in addition to your sound legal knowledge, street sense and the “technical know-how” of Nigeria. The experience of this young counsel has become very common. Read and see if you can relate with.
(After the written and oral job interview, this counsel was picked by the panelist to face the ultimate interview with the Senior Lawyer who would pass the final verdict. The interview suddenly left the realm of knowledge and intelligence to something never envisaged)
Senior Lawyer: Good afternoon Counsel.
Applicant: Good afternoon sir.
Senior Lawyer: We have seen your assessment score. Hmmm! 98%. That is quite impressive.
Applicant: Thank you sir
Senior Lawyer: We have also seen your C.V. Nice!
Applicant: I am very grateful sir. Thank you so much for the complements.
Senior Lawyer: So what are you bringing to the firm if employed?
Applicant: Sir, as you have rightly identified, I am very intelligent. I am able to work with little or no supervision. I hope to deploy my intellectual resources to the growth of the firm. In turn, I am certain that from the various tasks I would execute, I would also develop myself.
Senior Lawyer: Counsel, what we need in this firm is not intelligent lawyers. We need competent lawyers.
Applicant: Okay, sir.
Senior Lawyer: Let me ask you a few questions.
Applicant: Go ahead sir.
Senior Lawyer: Do you have a car?
Applicant: No sir.
Senior Lawyer: How do you intend to ensure you get to work early?
Applicant: That would not be a problem sir. The transport system from my house to the office is very convenient. Besides, I have an older brother who also works not too far from here and he drives to work.
Senior Lawyer: I also observed that you have worked for some time. Apart from your routine office works, were you also involved in the field work?
Applicant: Sir, if you may please ask the question again sir, I am not too clear on the question.
Senior Lawyer: Let me be straight forward. How many Judges do we have in Lagos State judiciary?
Applicant: About 50 sirs. I am not certain.
Senor Lawyer: Which of these Judges do you know closely? Like family ties, friendship, associate and the likes?
Applicant: None sir
Senior Lawyer: Let’s leave the court for now.
Applicant: Okay sir.
Senior Lawyer: How much of the working of the Department of Petroleum Resources do you know?
Applicant: A few Sir.
Senior Lawyer: Do you have a relationship with the Director or any of the Deputy Directors or any key person there?
Applicant: No Sir. I have never had cause to relate with them.
Senior Lawyer: I am not sure you are going to be of any value to us.
Applicant: Sir, I am open to learn Sir. I promise to adapt within the shortest time to whatever process may be on ground in the firm.
Senior Lawyer: Unfortunately, this firm is not a learning theater. We solve real and life concerns here. What we need is not only lawyers who know the process of solving issues; we are looking for lawyers who know the people who are in charge of the solutions.
The rest is left to your guess.
Send your press release/articles to: info@dnlpartners.com ,Follow us on Twitter at @dnlpartners and Facebook at Facebook.com/Dnl-partners
© Copyright DNL Legal & Style 2017.
This piece may only be copied on the condition that DNL Legal & Style is duly acknowledged in this manner: “Source: DNL Legal & Style. View the original piece on: (insert Hyperlink)