‘Studying Law Will Make You Disciplined’
My name is Ucheamaka Theodore Odili. I was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991 at Nigerian law school Lagos. I attended Imo State University, Okigwe now Abia State University, Uturu. I graduated in 1989. I am in active legal practice at Enugu in Enugu State, I am married and we are blessed by God Almighty with twins, a boy and a girl. I am from Ubaha Akkata in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo state.
Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges?
I have faced many challenges in my career as a legal practitioner. The main challenge I have had, is getting justice for my clients in the environment of a corrupt system. It hurts me to see poor people not getting justice, because of poverty. I have done a lot of pro bono cases, and I am proud today, because it exposed me and has given me a lot of experience.
What was your worst day as a Lawyer?
The worst day in my life as a Lawyer, was when I lost a case concerning a young girl who her father drove away from his house to prevent her from getting married to a man of her choice, and refused to accept the dowry from her suitor. I took the matter to court under the fundamental human rights enforcement procedure. It happened in 1993.
What has been your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?
The most memorable experience in my practice, was when a Pastor was thrown out of his church by a wicked landlord by crude means. The Pastor was served with court processes behind his back, and with the help of a corrupt Magistrate, they got a backyard judgement against him and threw him out of the building. The matter went on appeal to the High Court and the judgement was set aside, and he was returned back to his church, and he is still there till today.
Who has been most influential person in your life?
The most influential person in my life was my late mother Lady Selina O.Odili. She retired as an Assistant Commissioner of Police. She made me what I am today.
Why did you become a Lawyer? I became a Lawyer, because naturally I hate injustice.
What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in Law?
I advice anybody who wants to be a Lawyer, to keep it up. It is the best profession to be in. By the time you finish from Law School, you will be highly disciplined.
If you had not become a Lawyer, what career would you have chosen?
I was doing an OND in Mass Communication in 1984 at IMT Enugu before I got my admission to study Law. So I would have been a Journalist.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? In ten years time, I hope to have reached the peak of my career in this legal practice, and be in a position to help junior colleagues to grow.