‘Pro Bono Cases do not Make a Lawyer Poor’
My name is Moses Bamisaiye, I attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, for my Interim Joint Matriculation Board (I.J.M.B) or “A” Level examination in 1988. After that, I attended Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U) Zaria for my Bachelors of Law Degree. I then went on to the Nigeria Law School, where I was call to the Nigeria Bar. I am presently in private practice
Have you had any challenges in your career as a lawyer, and if so, what are the main challenges?
The challenges that I have faced, include paucity of materials sourced inexpensively, in order to be adequately prepared for litigation. There is also the challenge of poaching, by some lawyers. The lack of a standardised fee makes this easy. Getting competent and willing junior lawyers, is also a challenge, as some are not willing to put in their best. The cost of running a law firm coupled with the lack of electricity, is another great challenge, running a generator throughout the day, is certainly a daunting task.
What was your worst day as a Lawyer?
My worst day as a lawyer, was coming to court to represent a client (a big client), only to discover that another lawyer had been briefed to handle the matter
What has been your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?
My most memorable experience as a Lawyer, was engaging in a protracted suit that seemed to be lost. The day of judgement gave me some concern. The trial judge delivered judgement in my favour, and it was a victory that I have savoured again and again.
Who has been most influential in your life?
My parents contributed in no small measure, and influenced me greatly. My Mother, Mrs R.B. Bamisaiye gave me the platform, an English lecturer and ardent reader. She laid the foundation and my Father, Mr J.O. Bamisaiye, helped with the ethics and culture of the profession. However, others have also influenced me greatly, to which I am grateful till date. Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, helped me with logical thinking. Dr Kayode Olatoke, SAN helped me with the need to be passionate in the profession. Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN and Mr Olawale Fapounda helped me in the area of the enforcement of human rights.
Why did you become a Lawyer? Actually, nearly all who have had a brush with the legal system, wants a son or daughter to have the same. Since this career prides itself as the hub of others, my father decided I should become one. It was not difficult for me to switch from Business Administration, for I knew that I had an inclination for speaking. Also, there is this part of me, that dislikes injustice and oppression. While in secondary school, I was the voice of the voiceless and I spoke out loud and clear, for all to hear in the face off illegality and unwholesome practices. This actually earned me the appellation “the law” among some of my colleagues. Using the machinery of the Press Club and the Literary and Debating Society, both of which I was President of.
What would be your advice to anyone wanting to be a Lawyer?
The advice I have for would-be lawyers is to be passionate, focused and determined. They should ensure that they take one step in, then the other. They should be studious and inquisitive, and to the young lawyers they should be ready and willing to help people, even when they do not have much money to pay. If you do more pro-bono cases, it will not make you poor. They should be ready and willing to learn and be mentored, the age of the teacher or mentor notwithstanding, you can learn a great deal from an experienced and knowledgeable young person, than from an old and inexperienced person. They all should work hard, make friends and pray more.
If you had not been a Lawyer, what career would you have chosen?
I was going to study Business Administration, as I have stated earlier, but I could have been a teacher or a motivational speaker. I discovered early in life after I was cured of stammering, that I like to think deeply and speak, and anything that would enable me put the two to good use, I was ready and willing to do.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years’ time, I would like to continue with my private practice, mentoring young lawyers and contributing my little quota to the development of our noble profession. I should have paid my dues in defending clients, and working assiduously should have attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (S.A.N), that represents the zenith of my career; or the Bench may also not be a bad idea.