Chinekwu Onyemenam is a first-class graduate of the Faculty of Law, University Of Ibadan. She speaks with Edugist on her academic journey and ambitions for the legal profession. Excerpts
Please share with Edugist, a little about yourself and your background
I’m Chinekwu Onyemenam, a graduate of Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan. I come from a fairly large family of overachievers but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am an entrepreneur through and through. My mum has stories of younger me trading meals with siblings, that’s as serious as the forex market. Now I run a registered company and two businesses; a wig store—HairSooLush and a footwear store Naykz Signature. As a Christian, I’m working towards constantly being at the centre of God’s will for my life. I love to travel and when I’m not on the move, indoor activities such as remote jobs, cooking, sleeping, reading, watching movies are my top picks.
Could you tell us about your academic journey and achievements as a first-class graduate of law?
The journey was not always smooth. In my third year, I dropped to a second class and had to do everything to get back. It required a lot of unlearning and humbling myself to get here. I’m so grateful for the people I had around me. By way of achievements, I immersed myself as much as I could in worthy causes and societies that helped groom me; The Alternative Dispute Resolution Society opened doors for me to be trained and certified by CIArb UK. My work further got me into the Mediator Academy UK of which I became the top campus ambassador in 2020. I also utilised the strike periods to volunteer, learn new skills and become certified such as the Strategic Human Resource Management in the International School of Management, amongst others.
What motivated you to pursue a degree in law, and how has your education prepared you for a career in the field?
I decided to study law because I felt a strong sense of purpose, like it was meant for me. Despite having various interests, this choice felt like it was divinely guided. Opting for the University of Ibadan, despite its challenges, turned out to be a great decision. The university’s reputation as Nigeria’s top choice for law was upheld with a solid syllabus, great lecturers, and coursework that really pushed me. Even though there were occasional strikes and bumps along the way, this journey provided the structure I needed to build a strong foundation for a career in law. It’s been crucial in shaping my understanding of the field and getting me ready for the challenges ahead.
Have you participated in any internships during your time at university? How did these experiences contribute to your professional growth?
I’ve been lucky to dive into several internships, with a standout one at a top law firm in Abuja. These experiences were gold, giving me a taste of different aspects of the legal world. They didn’t just offer practical know-how; they also helped me figure out my strengths.
In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges and opportunities currently facing the legal profession?
The legal scene in Nigeria suffers challenges like case backlogs, outdated laws, and inadequate representation. But, there’s always room for positive changes. Embracing technology, reforming legal education, international collaboration, and shaping legal frameworks can be powerful avenues for addressing these issues.
Could you share your views on the ethical responsibilities of lawyers?
Lawyers bear significant ethical responsibilities in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Their foremost duty is to provide zealous representation to their clients while maintaining a commitment to truthfulness and integrity. Lawyers must also prioritise the administration of justice over their own interests and avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their professional judgement. Confidentiality and attorney-client privilege are crucial ethical considerations, ensuring clients can fully trust their legal counsel. Upholding ethical standards not only preserves the integrity of the legal profession but also reinforces public trust in the pursuit of a just and equitable society.
Do you have any role models you look up to in the law profession?
My role models extend beyond the legal world; they are mainly in my family. I’m lucky to have strong and resilient women as role models, like my mother and siblings. The values they live by, especially in tough times, really inspire me and contribute a lot to how much I look up to them.
How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in the field of law?
I keep up with the latest in law by attending conferences, subscribing to legal journals, and participating in continuing legal education. Actively engaging with professional networks, leveraging online research tools, and staying connected with colleagues and mentors are also very important.
What are your long-term career goals and how do you plan to achieve them?
Lord Denning said “God forbid that a lawyer knows all the law, but a good lawyer is one who knows where to find the law”. I agree with him to the extent that the capabilities of a good lawyer rests in his research skills, and so my long term career goals are geared towards providing such legal insight as it is required by lawyers and judges. I will give more insight to this as it unravels.
However, I will tell you this, it will require resilience, scrupulous training to hone my attention to details, mental alertness and acute understanding of legal intricacies.
What sets you apart from other first-class law graduates?
What sets me apart is a blend of personal values, hands-on experience, social and interpersonal skills, and my commitment to causes beyond those that bring me personal gain.
After your bachelor’s degree, what next?Law school! And then, I aim to pursue further education that would bring me closer to reaching the top in my career.
