‘Law is a Vocation, You must have the Call’
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Please, give a brief introduction of yourself
My name is ‘Nonso Azih. I am married to Ijeoma Azih, and we are blessed with a daughter. I obtained a law degree from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. I was called to the Nigerian Bar, in 2006. I did my NYSC in Minna, Niger State, where I worked with both the Director of Public Prosecution and the Director of Civil Litigation. I was actively involved in several landmark criminal and civil matters, between 2007 and 2008. One month after NYSC, I joined the Chambers of Ubong Akpan in Ikeja, Lagos. One of my highest points there, was being involved in a celebrated murder trial - Usman v State, presided over by Hon. Justice FatiLami Abubakar. We successfully defended the politicians, charged with the murder of a political thug. All the Defendants, were discharged and acquitted.
In 2009, fate introduced me to maritime and commercial law practice, when I was hired as an Associate Counsel in Foundation Chambers, under the able and solid tutelage of a Maritime Lawyer, Chidi Ilogu, SAN. I worked with Foundation Chambers for over three years, before I moved to ACAS-Law in 2012. At ACAS-Law, I was privileged to work with the Shipping & Litigation team, under the supervision of Mrs. Funke Agbor, SAN, a super role model. My experience at Foundation Chambers and ACAS-Law, provided me the opportunity of honing my legal and business skills in Commercial and Shipping law litigation and advisory. I am currently a Senior Associate at Banwo & Ighodalo. I joined the law firm in 2015. I am an active member of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association.
Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges?
Yes, I have had several challenges as a Lawyer; but the major challenge was the decision to remain a practicing Lawyer, by that, I mean to work in a law firm, as against taking up employment in a company or government establishment. I was called to the Bar, when working in the Bank was the buzz; majority of Lawyers and other professionals were drawn to the banking profession, because Bank workers were perceived to be doing well, in terms of remuneration. I was drawn to join the band wagon, but, something kept pushing me otherwise. I am glad I managed to listen to my inner voice, and resisted the temptation, even though I needed to make more money as a young man in Lagos. At the end of the day, I thank God that the path I chose, though initially challenging in terms of material reward, is paying off, and is amazingly fulfilling.
What was your worst day as a Lawyer? Some years ago, I procured the arrest of a ship in Lagos, in satisfaction of a maritime claim, as instructed by a client. The ship owners subsequently, brought an application to discharge the order of arrest I had obtained, on the ground that I failed to disclose certain material facts before arresting the ship, not that there was no legal basis for the arrest. I was confident the facts alleged not to have been disclosed were inconsequential under our jurisprudence, and didn't anticipate the worst. I confidently went to court, for the ruling. Lo and behold, the Judge upheld the Defendant’s application, discharged the arrest and awarded costs against my client. I was so devastated, to the extent that I could not pull myself together, to urgently draft a notice of appeal and application for stay of execution of the order of the court. However, I learnt two lessons – never to be too confident of winning, and never to be so emotionally involved in your case.
What is your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?
In my early years of practice, we were instructed to defend a case that involved the right of subrogation under marine insurance for carriage of goods by sea. I was detailed to work on the case, and I took a very unpopular legal position, that no one else in the firm supported; I was literally, standing alone. I was tempted, or rather pressured to jettison the opinion, but for my deep conviction on the viability of my opinion. I took the risk and filed the application, challenging the competence of the claim. The court heard arguments on the issue, and to my greatest delight, the Judge agreed entirely with my position, and accordingly struck out the case. That boosted my confidence, and at the same time, humbled me. I also remember, with excitement and humility, the day I got listed as a “next generation Lawyer” in Legal 500.
Who has been most influential in your life?
My parents; particularly my Mother, for her uncommon selflessness and prodigious love. She saw the talent in me, believed in me, encouraged and supported me, to become what I am today. She made a lot of sacrifices to ensure I got a good foundation and education. Mr. Chidi Ilogu, SAN, has also been a major influence. I can boldly say that, I am a competent maritime and commercial lawyer today, because of the solid foundation he provided me, in the early stages of practice. I will also not forget Mr. Babajide Koku, SAN, for his professional support.
Why did you become a Lawyer? I was not much of a debater growing up; but I wrote virtually all the debating scripts in a clear and logical manner for my group. In school, teachers kept saying “you will make a good Lawyer; give it a try...” and here I am today, a Lawyer. Again, I had a bitter brush with the Nigerian Police, as a young man. I was arrested few yards from our residence in Enugu, because I did not have an identity card on me. I pleaded with the Police to take me to the house and arrest me, if no one could identify me; my plea fell on deaf ears. After a night across the counter, I vowed I would become a Lawyer, to help fight injustice and Police harassment.
What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?
Law is a special vocation and business. If you do not have the call; if the traits are not in you, please, do not even bother; as you will end up frustrated. Again, law is a trade, you must first learn from the masters. When you learn, you remove the “l” and earn.
If you had not become a Lawyer, what other career would you have chosen?
Maybe I would have become a Catholic priest; or a soldier, or busy making money in the entertainment industry.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? I would want to, and I am working towards, becoming a household name in shipping and commercial law practice in Nigeria, and across the world. I also want to have become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Above all, I hope to have helped a handful of young people actualise their dreams and aspirations in life, in my own little way.