‘In Law, Theory and Practice go together’
My name is Abdullateef Olasubomi Abdul. I am an Associate in Ikeyi & Arifayan. I am also an Associate Fellow of the Society of Advanced Legal Studies (SALS), London; the Chair of the Regional Developments Subcommittee of the International Bar Association (IBA); and a member of the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA), the African Bar Association, the Young International Council for Commercial Arbitration, and the Young International Arbitration Group (YIAG) of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). I am affiliated to various other professional and leadership organisations. As a legal practitioner, I provide legal services to indigenous and multinational clients on a broad range of legal advisory, tax advisory, regulatory, transaction support and dispute resolution matters. I’m also privileged to be an award- winning and well-written writer, having authored several writings and won various writing contests, both locally and internationally.
Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges?
Yes, I’ve had lots of challenges, from coping with the transition from school to work life in my initial year, to heavy workload, work pressure, and minimal personal time. Challenges are an inevitable part of life. But I have an unshaken belief that, no challenge exists which is insurmountable, and that I can achieve all the definite goals to which I faithfully and diligently apply myself.
What was your worst day as a Lawyer?
No day particularly comes across to me, as a worst day. I try apply my might and to do my best, in all my activities. The bad days would be when I fall short of my expectations, or when I fail to apply the full force of my intellect or mental energy, in my activities.
What was your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?
I’ve had a couple of memorable experiences. I was extremely excited, wining my first international writing contest some years back. Recently, I was appointed as Chair of the Regional Developments Subcommittee of the International Bar Association, even as a relatively young Lawyer in Nigeria. I was also delighted to have been invited as a panelist at the 2018 African Bar Association Annual Conference, which held in Nairobi, Kenya. I was also happy to have emerged as a finalist for each of the Rising Star of the Year 2018 Award at the 2018 Law Digest Africa Awards; the Attorney of the Year Award at the 2018 African Legal Awards; and the 40 under 40 Awards at the 2018 Esquire Legal Awards. It was also a unique honour to have attended the International Bar Association’s 2018 Annual Conference in Rome, Italy as one of five Nigerian scholars of the International Bar Association’s Developing Bar Programme.
Recently, my firm successfully challenged a suit at the State High Court. I represented my firm as counsel, throughout the matter. Our ground of challenge, involved some fundamental but less-appreciated points of procedural law. The exciting part was, when the court in its judgement agreed entirely with our arguments, adopting a huge portion of our written address in its judgement.
Who has been most influential in your life?
As a Muslim, I acknowledge God as the author of my entire life, including my accomplishments. I also appreciate my parents and family, for their continued support and love. Further, I am full of appreciation to all my teachers and lecturers, including Mrs. Azeezat Pedro and Mr. Teslim. I’ve also been inspired by philosophical writings, especially those of Socrates, Ralph W. Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Some of my mentors, friends and colleagues who have been very influential in my life one way or another, include Prof Abiola Sanni, Nduka Ikeyi, Abdullahi Muhammed Tosin, Tobi Fagbayimu, Kenneth Okwor, Ahmed Lasisi, Francis Oniekoro, and Tunji Opayele. I also appreciate Prof Remi Anifowose and Mr. Abiodun Shoyombo for their kind support and encouragements; and Ibrahim Babatunde and Gabriel Aderinola for their influence, through genuine friendships.
Why did you become a Lawyer?
I have always had an inclination towards being a Lawyer, since my early secondary school days. At the time, I did not have any particularly cogent reason for the desire. But years into my university sojourn, I began to appreciate the vitality of the law in human affairs, and the role of law as a tool for social order and engineering. This fuelled my desire to become a Lawyer.
What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in law?
Firstly, be convinced of your career choice, and be confident of your God-given ability to succeed and excel in your chosen field. Learn so much of the law as you’re able to, in your school days. Do not listen to those who tell you that, what you learn in school is simply theory, which has no place in the ‘practical’ or ‘real’ world. Nothing is farther from truth! In learning the law, go to the roots: study the statute books and case law. Also, aspire for excellent grades: they still matter and do make a difference! Also, endeavour to participate in mooting, debating, writing, and client counselling programs, all of which will equip you with the knowledge and skills relevant to succeed as a legal practitioner.
If you had not become a Lawyer, what other career would you have chosen?
I have another love, besides law and writing. It is football. It is my first love, even before writing and before law. I still play it, almost every weekend. If I had my way, I’d play it every day. So, if I wasn’t a Lawyer and Writer, and the opportunity presented itself, I’d gladly be a footballer.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
With God’s continuous gift of life, I see myself continuing what I’m doing presently: living every moment of my life deliberately and to its fullest, and pursuing excellence in all my endeavours.