‘Law is Like Wine, it Gets Better With Age’
I am Adepeju Jaiyeoba, partner at Strichland Associates, an astute lawyer, action oriented individual, avid team player and skilled communicator, who sees every problem as an opportunity to provide not just any solution, but innovative solutions. I see law from the perspective of service to humanity, as well as business.
In 2015, I was honoured by President Barack Obama at the White House, Washington, for my work on the international business stage as well as my community support effort on the local scene. I combine a rare experience in business and law to provide legal services and support for Government agencies, parastatals, international organisations and companies doing business in Nigeria, and across the world.
In addition to active legal practice, I have also in the past served as a Columnist for THISDAY LAWYER, where I wrote about contemporary legal issues, challenges of young Lawyers, as well as shared numerous lessons learned from several international conferences which I have attended.
Last year, I served as a panelist at the Nigerian Bar Association Conference. I also speak at numerous events, and was actually opportune to address the United States Congress Black Caucus group at an event put together by vibrant United States Legislator, Representative Karen Bass.
Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges?
I have definitely had a number of challenges, many of them related to being a woman in practice and active litigation.
Maintaining work life balance is often a challenge for women in active practice, myself included. My work goal is to make our clients happy, and my resolve is to do whatever it takes legitimately, including burning midnight oils, sleeping over at the office or working at weekends, to ensure their needs are met. As a woman, I have learnt that we need to give value and keep giving value. It’s the only thing that speaks for us, when we have to take permission to take the children for immunisation, when we are called from their crèche that they have a fever, or when they kick up a fuss because they feel Mummy should be around.
What was your worst day as a Lawyer? The day we flew our witness to Lagos, had overnight meetings with her, and hardly slept the whole night, only for the court not to sit. It was very frustrating.
What was your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?
My most memorable experience as a Lawyer, was at my first appearance in court as a new wig before Justice Alogba, where I took on a colleague on a point of law and received an open court commendation from the learned justice. That day, I made a promise to myself, never to leave Law, no matter the challenge.
Who has been most influential in your life?
I have got several influencers in my life. The first being my Dad, Mr. Mabadeje, who taught me discipline, my Mum, Mrs. Mabadeje, who taught me selflessness, my husband, Femi Jaiyeoba, who consistently rings it in my ears that impossible is nothing, Ms. Olufunke Aboyade, SAN, who taught me commitment and dedication to duty, and Mrs. Oredeji Delano, my goal tracker, Mrs Amina Oyagbola and Women In Successful Careers (WISCAR), for their assistance in helping me chart a progression plan, which ultimately assisted me to focus on my goals.
Why did you become a Lawyer? As someone who grew up at the peak of military rule in Nigeria, I was intrigued by the concept of rights and their violation. I saw oppression, disillusionment, and death in the land. At the same time, I was deeply inspired by the courage of the likes of Gani Fawehinmi, SAN and Femi Falana, SAN amongst others, who stood up in the face of tyranny. Their courage to speak out in the face of danger, their consistent stand on the side of truth, their principle and desire to make change happen for others, really inspired me to study Law. Attending Obafemi Awolowo University and having the privilege to be taught by Professor Poopola, Professor Akorede Yusuf, Dr. Olasenni and their likes, really helped sustained my interest.
What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in Law?
Study law for the right reasons, be ready to spend some time, especially the early years, not focusing on money, but building your career as well as experience. Remember that law is like wine, it gets better with age.
If you had not become a Lawyer, what career would you have chosen?
I would have probably been a detective with the Police Force or a Businesswoman. I’ve always loved analytical reasoning, evidence gathering and examination, as well as the nitty-gritty of transactions.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? In ten years, I believe would be running a successful Law Firm, offering not only value to clients but also our staff, as well as building one of the best places to work on the ,continent. I am a firm believer in the fact that, your best investments are actually in people.