The second plenary session of the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch Annual Law Conference held on Tuesday, 17th of June, 2025 took centre stage at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, with the timely and thought-provoking topic: “The Business of Law – Profitability Without Compromising Professionalism.” Legal luminaries and seasoned practitioners converged to dissect how law firms can thrive commercially while upholding the ethical standards of the legal profession.
Moderated discussions kicked off with Mrs Onanuga’s reminder that lawyers are fundamentally service providers. Citing Rules 14, 16, 17, and 23 of the RPC, she emphasized that while firms must remain profitable, the needs of the client and the integrity of the legal profession must always remain paramount. “No relationship is worth your license,” she said, stressing that a good reputation is worth more than any financial gain.
In her contribution, Ms. Florence Shako addressed the personal cost of legal practice and how lawyers can stay healthy while managing work demands. “Tell your clients the truth, do not overwork yourself,” she advised. Shako urged lawyers to embrace clear communication, manage client expectations, and maintain a proper feedback mechanism. Efficiency, proper billing communication, and time management, she noted, are vital tools for a healthy and sustainable practice.
Former NBA Chairman, Mr. Akangbe, SAN, was posed with a powerful question: “How can a law firm measure success beyond financial growth?” In response, he highlighted that success in legal practice includes a firm’s ability to attract and retain talent, deliver quality work, engage in pro bono services, and contribute to the community. “Law is both a business and a calling,” he stated, noting that longevity and impact are critical markers of a successful law firm.
Discussions also touched on the ethical challenges posed by technology and commercial pressures. Onanuga warned that while tools like AI and virtual collaboration are beneficial, lawyers must remain cautious of data privacy breaches, bias, and misinformation. On ethics, Akangbe and Mr. Oguntoye both reinforced that lawyers must maintain integrity, be truthful to clients, and uphold the profession’s ethical code, not out of fear of being caught, but out of commitment to professional values.
The session was a compelling reminder that while the legal industry continues to evolve as a business, the foundational principles of service, ethics, and integrity must not be compromised in pursuit of profitability.
Panelists in these session were: Mr Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN (Partner, SOOB Legal Practitioners), Mr Aderemi Oguntoye, SAN (Partner Oguntoye & Oguntoye), Mrs Oladoyin Onanuga (Partner, CLP Legal), Ms Florence Shako (Senior Partner, Mitullah Shako & Associates). The Panel was Chaired by Prof Dorothy Ufot, SAN (Founding Partner, Dorothy Ufot & co.).
