‘A Lawyer Must Know Something About Everything’
Please, give a brief introduction of yourself?
My name is Rukevwe Ekugbere, I am a legal practitioner in private practice in Warri, Delta State. I obtained my Masters degree in the Obafemi Awolowo University. I am an Associate Counsel in the law firm of Garnet and Hawthorns Solicitors, Warri, Delta State.
Have you had any challenge as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges?
Yes I have. It goes without saying that every profession comes with its own challenges. For most young Lawyers and I, we face the challenge of low remuneration. An average Lawyer, receives less than the current minimum wage. It is very difficult for a young Lawyer, to take care of his/her basic needs. It is paramount in the profession for skills to be improved on, as part of the continuous legal education required of a Lawyer. This is done, by taking further professional trainings. These trainings require financing. A young Lawyer who dreams of having a doctorate degree, is at the mercy of his/her Principal.
Another challenge, is the conventional man made stratification of legal practitioners. It is a norm for most litigants, companies, government parastatals, to engage the services of senior Lawyers. They believe the young Lawyers, do not have the skills. A number of years’ experience, is always required. I can recall an encounter in court, where some litigants said it is not good to engage the services of a young Lawyer. A misconception that has been a plague, for most young Lawyers. I am lucky to have a Principal, who never allows such a misconception. He guides you and allows you make your mistakes, that way, you learn faster.
What do you consider to be your worse day as a Lawyer?
It was my first day in practice, fresh out of
Law School. My Principal took me to court. I was to appear with him, as a co- counsel. Just as the court resumed sitting, my Principal stepped out and left me with the file, only to send a text message that he is not appearing with me. It was my first day, and I was with a file that has no endorsement, aside what I learnt in the moot court and during moot and mock competitions, I knew nothing else about the practice of law. After announcing appearance, I didn’t know how to go about the matter. My Lord was kind enough to oblige me an adjournment, after noticing my predicament.
What has been your most memorable experience as a Lawyer, so far?
I did my Youth Service in Anambra State. On my 2nd day of resumption in the office, my Principal gave me a file and asked that I go to a High Court in Imo State that day. The instruction was to let the Claimant’s Counsel lead evidence, and take a date for cross-examination, as I had not read or seen the file before. I arrived in court a little late, because the notice was short. When the case was called, my Lord ordered that we conclude with that witness same day. I was confused. I knew nothing about the case. All my appeals for an adjournment after examination-in-chief, fell on deaf ears. To make matters worse, the Claimant’s Counsel threatened to apply to foreclose us from cross-examining the witness if I did not cross-examine the witness on that day. Just like a “deus est machina”, the Claimant’s Counsel sought to tender an uncertified public document, which I vehemently opposed to. There was serious arguments in court and My Lord was forced to adjourn the case, giving me ample time and opportunity to study the file.
Who has been most influential in your life?
Irrefutably and undeniably, Prof. Festus Emiri and John E. Aruoture, Esq., I am sorry, no name can be removed. These two have their special roles they play in my life. Prof. Festus Emiri has been a great push from my university days, and has encouraged me greatly to strive to go higher in my career. John E. Aruoture has been my Principal for about a year now, and working with him has given me a different view about the legal profession. They have both taught me to diversify, even within the legal profession, and to be ready whenever an opportunity comes. They have both taught me, that the best form of freedom is work.
Why did you become a Lawyer?
It has always been a childhood dream, for me. I remember how a relative of mine wrongly informed me that, Lawyers genitals are removed upon death, because all Lawyers belong to a secret cult. As a child, I cried and wished it was not true. Law is not just a profession for me, I had always seen it as a medium through which I can serve my people, to educate people. As a Lawyer, I can stand and defend the rights of people. I do some pro-bono cases for some indigent clients, and it always gives me joy. I love identifying issues and solving problems, the practice of law gives one that.
What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in law?
Do not be stagnant. The world and everything in it, is evolving. Be ready to work and most importantly, be ready to learn. Learn something new, read a book, expand your knowledge, not only about the law. It is necessary that, a Lawyer must know something about everything. My Principal, John E. Aruoture, Esq, once said that being lazy is very easy, doing nothing is very easy. Whether you are lazy or hardworking, time will still run. Would you rather sit down doing nothing, or use your time for something productive?
If you had not become a Lawyer, what other career would you have chosen?
Music has always been a hobby. During my undergraduate days, I sang by poolside with a band, and it helped me when I ran out of money. Even before I started studying law, I sang with a Christian band called “The Soul Ministers”. Perhaps, I would have started a career there.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself as a Principal Partner in a law firm, working to attain the status of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and teaching Lawyers and students.