‘In law practice, keep your eyes and ears open’
Please, give a brief introduction of yourself
My name is Sanford Uchechukwu Mba. I was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012. After a short stint in legal practice, I took out time to pursue postgraduate studies in International Business law. This period offered me the opportunity to appreciate the nuances of comparative law, from both common law and civil law perspectives. Also, during this period, I had the opportunity to hold visiting scholar positions at two prestigious institutions, first, at the Cornell Law School and secondly, the Commercial Law Centre, Harris Manchester College, Oxford University.
Presently, I am a Senior Counsel in the Corporate and Commercial Law Practice Group of Adepetun, Caxton-Martins, Agbor and Segun (ACAS-Law), where I have participated in providing legal advisory and support for local and foreign businesses, cutting across different sectors and industries in Nigeria. In addition to holding a doctoral degree in the International Business law stream, I am an academic member of Insol International, as well as a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, (UK Branch).
Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges?
I am not sure I think of my experiences in legal practice, as challenges. My attitude is to take those experiences, as the friction that comes with the polishing of a gem. For instance, working in a fast-paced legal environment with competing turnaround time, is quite interesting. Again, personally, I like to think of this experience, as an opportunity to develop adroitness and build character.
What was your worst day as a Lawyer?
During my National Youth Service Scheme days. A dear friend and colleague and I were assigned to provide pro bono representation for a young man who was remanded in the Ikoyi Prison, while awaiting trial. The accusation was theft, but, clearly, the story of the prosecution just did not add up, and curiously, the accused had not been represented even though the prosecution had closed its case. In spite of endless adjournments, the Magistrate eventually did sit, and we were ready make our bail application which we had painstakingly prepared, with judicial authorities suggesting that the accused was entitled to bail. Following what we thought to be a good case made out, the Magistrate simply said he wouldn’t grant bail. Nothing more. My heart sank.
What is your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?
Well, since my postgraduate studies add up to my experience, I might as well recount one such experience. The most memorable experience for me in recent years, was when I received the opinions of two of the Professors on my doctoral defence panel, on my thesis. Professor Jennifer Payne (a Professor of Corporate Finance at Oxford University), and the opinion of Professor Sebastian Mock (a Professor of law at the Vienna University of Economics and Business) spoke highly of the thesis. Thanks to their recommendations, that thesis has formed the basis of the book “New Financing for Distressed Businesses in the Context Restructuring Law”. The book addresses key policy issues bordering on debt restructuring, international approaches to new lending as an important component of debt restructuring regimes, and the role of the distressed debt market in funding distressed businesses.
Who has been most influential in your life?
My father, James Ifeanyichukwu Mba, (God rest his soul), was largely responsible for shaping me. As a result of certain health challenges, I spent more time with him, and it afforded me the opportunity to learn pretty much from him, from things as pedestrian as cooking and writing, to more serious issues like my outlook on life. I always wish, he were still alive.
Other than my father, George Soros has profoundly impacted me as a philanthropist, who is willing to stake his wealth for his convictions. Now, I know he might not be able to spot me in a crowd (laughs), but through various institutions into which he channeled his fortunes, I have immensely gained not only academic knowledge, but also deep insights on the case for an open society.
Why did you become a Lawyer?
So, anyone growing up in this generation will readily recall how in our senior secondary school days, non-science students were branded unserious. My older siblings were already in the science class, and I didn’t think that I needed to be as serious as them. Despite persuasion by my parents, I decided to be anywhere but in the science class. Well, the interest in law came afterwards. My interest in law, was triggered by social justice issues.
What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in law?
Go for it. Just be careful not to be too expectant that, the financial reward will come once you have the degrees in hand. If you put in the work, and keep your eyes and ears open to opportunities, you will be alright.
If you had not become a Lawyer, what other career would you have chosen?
Economics. Something tells me that, I will get an MBA in the not too distant future.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself holding the position of a practice Professor of law, and as a leading light in commercial law practice.