Who is a lawyer?
Answer: A lawyer is someone who is qualified to practice law. At common law, there are two types. The Barrister is one who goes to the higher courts to argue cases, while the solicitor is one who simply gives legal advice. In Nigeria, once you are "called to the bar" you can choose to practise as both barrister and solicitor, or choose to be either.
What does it take to be a lawyer?
Answer: A degree in Law from a recognized university, and successful attendance at the Law School are prerequisites. To gain admission to a university to study law, one must have at least five credits at one sitting [for most universities]. The requisite subjects vary from one university to the other. But most require at least a credit pass in English Language, English Literature, and three other social science subjects; Many require a credit pass in mathematics as well.
The university course lasts five years and teaches you basic, substantive law (such as criminal law, torts, commercial law, family law, etc,) whilst the law school exposes you mainly to rules of evidence and procedure. Note though, that few universities offer Shariah law, which we, as Muslims, should really be interested in. It is strongly suggested that you should read the JAMB brochure very carefully to be sure where you can get exposure in this important area of the law.
What Further Education is available?
Answer: Many people make the mistake of thinking that lawyers are only good for going to court and representing criminals and shady people to help them get off th4 hook. But that is not so. A lawyer can do so for many other things, even with just the LL.B. For instance, you can choose to specialise in any of the following aspects of the law which will, insha AIlaah, keep-you off haram: - Corporate and Company Secretarial Matters: You will give legal advice to companies and their boards, keep and update their statutory records, as well as help them with their general documentation. If you choose this path, you will be better off if you join a respectable professional institute such as the Institute of Chartered Secretaries. Commercial Law: This is a very wide area of" the law, and you will have many sub-specialities to, choose from. Most solicitors are indeed commercial lawyers. They draft and vet documents an agreements, advise their clients on their (clients) legal rights, etc.
You may need a Masters degree, although this is a necessity. - Information Technology and Telecommunications Law: Presently, this is a fast growing area of the law, especially in Nigeria today with the growth of the telecommunications sector. Indeed, as a mark of the growing importance and relevance of this field, some established foreign universities now offer Masters degree courses in IT & Telecommunications Law. - Other areas of the law which you can also specialise in and pursue successfully without going to court include Oil &Gas Law, Maritime Law, etc. With the increasing levels of economic growth, you will find that the services of specialists in these areas are in high demand, and most employers would offer premium rates to retain them.
Of course, you can choose to be self-employed or to run a consultancy in any of these areas, once you have the appropriate qualifications. Conclusion: The role of lawyers in society is very important. They help people understand their rights and responsibilities, and therefore to avoid unnecessary regrets, problems and disputes. Where disputes occur, they also her to resolve the disputes. However, it is better not to aspire to be a barrister because of the fact that the law that you will be applying as a barrister is contradictory to the Shariah.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited