At the 4th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum, the importance of proper mentorship for young lawyers took center stage. Esteemed panelists, including seasoned legal professionals and trailblazers in the field, advocated passionately for structured mentorship programs to guide and support the next generation of legal talents.
During the conference, panelists shared personal anecdotes and professional insights, highlighting the transformative impact of mentorship on their own careers. They emphasized the invaluable role mentors played in providing guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for growth, particularly for women lawyers navigating a traditionally male-dominated profession.
One key theme that emerged was the need for diverse mentorship experiences to address the unique challenges faced by young lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds. Panelists stressed the importance of fostering inclusive mentorship relationships that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all aspiring legal professionals have access to supportive mentors who understand their unique perspectives and experiences.
In addition to sharing their own mentorship journeys, panelists offered practical advice and strategies for establishing effective mentorship programs within law firms, legal organizations, and academic institutions. They underscored the importance of mentor-mentee matching based on shared interests, goals, and values, as well as the need for ongoing support and accountability to maintain productive mentorship relationships.
Furthermore, panelists highlighted the reciprocal nature of mentorship, emphasizing that mentors also benefit from the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences with their mentees. They encouraged seasoned lawyers to embrace mentorship as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, challenging them to invest their time and expertise in nurturing the next generation of legal leaders.
Mr Semi Adio, SAN,(Managing Partner, Copley Partners) a panelist at the first Session said that more experienced lawyers should give helping hands to the young lawyers. According to him, this will boost their morale in law practice.
Other panelists stressed the need for supportive ecosystem for female lawyers. According to Mobola Tejuoso (Partner, AO2 Law), Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia (Partner, Udo Udoma & Bello-Osagie) and Imke Boerner (Attorney, Member of German Bar), having friendly law firms, firms supporting female lawyers, establishing the culture of work-life balance, will go a long way in boosting the career of female lawyers. They also encouraged female lawyers to always advocate for themselves in the face of discrimination.
The 4th Annual NBAWF Conference served as a powerful platform for advocating for proper mentorship for young female lawyers. By amplifying the voices of experienced legal professionals and championing the value of mentorship, the conference sparked meaningful conversations and laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and supportive legal community also enabling a supportive professional ecosystem for female lawyers.
The 4th NBAWF General Conference was held yesterday at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos with the theme “Beyond the Balance sheet; Redefining Success for Women in Law”.