‘As a Lawyer, be an Influencer’
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Please, give a brief introduction of yourself
My name is Echeho Godfrey, Esq., MCAI, ACArb., ACTI, the 7th child of late Evangelist Godfrey O. Ove and late Mrs Patience A. Ove. I am married to my heartthrob, Deaconess Bukola Comfort Oluwakemi Echeho-Godfrey, and we are blessed with children, Joy, Jessica and Joanna. I am a legal practitioner, in active private practice. I am the founding Partner and currently the Managing Counsel of EG Legal Practitioners, a Notary Public, a Certified Auctioneer, an Arbitrator/ADR Practitioner, and a Tax Lawyer.
Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges?
Yes, several, especially when I was a junior Lawyer. I experienced several instances where clients were unwilling to pay appropriately for services rendered, in full. It was very painful because, as a junior Lawyer then, who just got married, I needed money badly. I experienced this several times with clients we assisted in securing bail at the Police Station, and also sometimes when clients we appeared for in court, disappeared with paying our appearance fees after the proceedings of their case was over for the day. I truly was almost discouraged from continuing as a hardworking Lawyer; but I was reminded of the admonition of Senior Lawyers like Paul Usoro, SAN, Prof Fidelis Oditah , QC, SAN, C.A. Ajuyah, SAN and also my beloved Justice J.E. Shakarho Rtd, as they all confirmed to me that they became all they are, through hard work and the mercies of God.
What was your worst day as a Lawyer?
My worst day as a Lawyer, was when my brief was "snatched" by a Senior Lawyer whom I introduced to the client, to lead me in the brief.
What is your most memorable experience as a Lawyer ?
When Hon. Justice M. Umukoro (the current CJ of the Delta State High Court), then the Administrative Judge in Warri, took me by surprise, by asking me to immediately address him on a no case submission, same day after the Prosecution closed their case. I did and cited authorities from Law Pavilion, and his Lordship there and then discharged the Accused, based on my submission.
Who has been most influential in your life?
My Father, so achieving, but humble, so opportuned, but maintained his integrity to the end. He always counselled me, to put in my best in everything I do.
Why did you become a Lawyer? I became a Lawyer because, I have a heart for service to the people. I see law as truly a tool of social engineering. If all the Lawyers in Nigeria would play their role properly, Nigeria would be a better country than USA. Lawyers are very influential, privileged and opportuned.
What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in law?
My advice is that, you should ensure that you make a lasting impact as an Influencer, through your knowledge of the law and the access, confidence and acceptance you gain by it; be it in government, corporate, judicial, media, entertainment, private practice or social services. For instance, my dear colleague, Adepeju Jaiyeoba, is making waves as a Lawyer through her social work (woman delivery kits) and advocacy for women.
If you had not become a Lawyer, what other career would you have chosen?
Certainly, I would have chosen to be a Medical Doctor (a Cardiologist).
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, by the special grace of God, I hope I will be at the very pinnacle of legal practice, and hopefully, a member of the Inner Bar.