At the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu, legal experts and thought leaders convened on Tuesday to examine how Nigerian law firms can evolve into globally competitive institutions. The breakout session titled “Building the Future Law Firm” featured incisive contributions from practitioners who emphasized innovation, mentorship, technology, and sustainability as the pillars of growth.
Lead presenter Tominiyi Owolabi underscored the need for Nigerian firms to adopt a structured, long-term approach. He proposed a 10-year global competitive roadmap that leverages technology, continuous training, and international best practices. Owolabi called for free online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs for lawyers, stressing that the profession must embrace modernization to remain relevant.
Gladys Omage noted that law practice in Nigeria is hemorrhaging revenue due to outdated business models. She urged firms to see law practice as a business by investing in functional websites, seeking peer and client reviews, and building global visibility. She highlighted specialisation, performance metrics, publications, and intentional mentorship of young lawyers as tools to enhance competitiveness. “We must encourage fair pay and excellence, while the NBA should regulate standards and maintain a database of lawyers,” she said.
Technology also took center stage as Dr. Cally Cusson emphasized the importance of algorithms, automation, and systems in building legacy-driven firms. “Entrepreneurship is the act of generating new ideas targeted at a certain market. Law firms must define their offer, embrace lead generation, and build for sustainability,” he remarked. Similarly, Seun Adedipe, SAN advocated for an institutional and partnership mindset. “Scaling globally requires more than individual brilliance; it requires legendary structures and minimum standards for law firms,” he noted.
The session’s moderator, Dr. Agada Elachi, SAN, reinforced the need for collaboration and partnerships within the profession. Other contributors, including Mohammed Adelodun, highlighted the role of data and research in shaping policies for the legal sector.
The panelists agreed that reforms in legal education are essential. They urged the Nigerian Law School to bridge the gap between theory and practice while calling on government and private sector players to partner in sponsoring legal initiatives.
With the conference theme “Stand Out, Stand Tall,” the session captured the urgent need for Nigerian law firms to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring sustainable profitability while nurturing the next generation of lawyers.
