‘A Good Lawyer Must Possess Win-Win Negotiation Skills’
Please, give a brief introduction of yourself
My name is Akinyemi Ayinoluwa. I live and work in Lagos, Nigeria. I am the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Hightower Solicitors and Advocates, a corporate law firm situate at Ikoyi, Lagos.
Prior to qualifying as a legal practitioner, I was a songwriter, vocalist and entertainer. Since qualifying, I have worked in the creative industry, to represent creative industry practitioners, investors and talents.
Due to the scarcity of knowledge of intellectual property rights in the creative industry, particularly Copyrights, I have been at the forefront of advocacy for songwriters, record producers and artists in the music industry. I blog actively and create enlightening contents, to educate creatives via my social media channels. I have also had the good fortune, of representing some of them.
Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges?
My introduction into the legal profession, has got to be the biggest challenge I had to deal with. The opportunities to work and undergo tutelage in the top-tier corporate law firms in Lagos, are not available to most people. I did not have that good fortune. But, I was resolute to make the most of what I had. My passion for entertainment, grits, and perseverance. This helped me pivot from my experiences with poor remuneration and a suffocating law firm, to starting my own practice.
The second notable challenge as a young Lawyer, was getting the briefs needed, as a newly minted sole proprietor of a law firm. A lot of young lawyers are ill equipped with the fundamentals that must be in place, to build a profitable law firm. Most of us are not familiar with entrepreneurship and the concept of cost, investment, building partnerships, branding and marketing, profit, accounting, and productising legal services. Without proper guidance, a lot of Lawyers will remain in the woods for a long time, and will not be able to build a profitable law firm.
Another challenge, which I am still bogged down with, is the slow pace of administering justice in Nigeria. Even with the introduction of ADR Mechanisms, it still takes a long time to resolve disputes in our legal system. This affects everyone, investors, litigants, and even Lawyers. The reality of difficulty in enforcement of laws and endless adjournments, is at odds with our expectations as law students.
Getting clients to pay for legal services, is another notable challenge. I acknowledge that, this is not peculiar to young Lawyers. Even notable Senior Advocates of Nigeria, have had to institute debt recovery proceedings against clients who have refused to pay for their legal services. I am tempted to believe that, this challenge has become culturally entrenched. Some have also considered Nigerian Lawyers as endangered professionals, because the market is saturated, and the supply outweighs the demand.
What was your worst day as a Lawyer? My worst day occurred, when I was a young Lawyer. I was immaculately dressed, and enroute court with my briefcase. It started to rain, and I got drenched, because I could not afford to be late for my appearance in court. As if that was not enough, a car sped past me, and I got covered in muddy water.
What was your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?
I think that would be, the first time I got a retainer. It was five times the monthly salary I earned, at the law firm I worked. I did not resume, the next day. And I embraced my entrepreneurial journey, as a Lawyer.
Who has been most influential in your life?
I believe different people have made an impression on me, and influenced me. I have a lot of heroes in many different disciplines, who remain shinning examples for what is possible, if we work hard and fight for our dreams. As a young boy bursting with energy and an opportunity to express myself, I credit my mother for her guidance. As a young songwriter and entertainer, Robert Kelly, Tuface Idibia, and John Legend, had the most influence on me. As a young Lawyer, my senior colleagues, Efere Ozako, Audu Maikori, and Uduak Oduok, influenced my choice of settling for a practice in entertainment law. I also credit a classmate, Ladun Olokodana, for gifting me an Entertainment and Media Law text book, after his return from the United Kingdom. This book and his advice, has done tremendous good to me professionally. I also have a senior colleague, Mr. James Akinwande, to thank for his mentoring in the last couple of years.
Why did you become a Lawyer? My dad is a Lawyer. That must have been the first attraction, for me. I also admired the likes of Gani Fawehinmi, SAN and Femi Falana, SAN, as a result of what I saw on television, and in the newspapers. I made the decision at 15, and I think it was hinged on the fact that, like my heroes, I wanted to champion the interest of the vulnerable members of the society. I believe I am still able to do this, with my law practice’s focus on the creative industry.
What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in law?
I believe that to thrive in the legal profession, one must be driven by a deep interest to use the law as a weapon, to advance positive causes in the society. I believe identifying with these causes, can help fuel the fire for a pursuit of excellence. Also, successful Lawyers possess certain skills, that elevate them above their peers. Skills such as the ability to persuade others, broker win-win negotiations, rain-making skills, building social capital via networking, public speaking, brief writing, and the ability to communicate sound advice effectively, orally or in written form.
If you had not become a Lawyer, what other career would you have chosen?
I would have worked in the music or sports business, as an entertainer, athlete, or talent manager.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? I see myself running a bigger and more profitable law firm, with a robust clientele that can boast of creative industry giants, local and international businesses, and high net worth individuals. I also want to collaborate with my colleagues and seniors to train more young Lawyers, via the Create your Future workshop.