Experts list specialisation, technology as panacea for legal visibility

Experts in the legal profession have suggested specialisation and technology as tools for visibility in the industry.

They also call for greater implementation of technology laws to safeguard data.

Those were mentioned at the Legal Business Conference themed, ‘Leveraging Technology to Build a Profitable Law Practice’ in Lagos.

Partner, Bayo Ogunyemi and Co, Rotimi Ogunyemi, said leveraging technology in the legal practice requires understanding of legal framework, policy, technological development, existing substantive laws, and transactions.

“Technology is beginning to play in more complex markets like health care, among others. Technology law helps society and government make sense of the system.

“We need to understand that there are emerging technologies, how they apply to the law and how the law applies to them,” he said.

Convener, Ifeoma Ben noted that such programmes provide opportunities to network and ask questions from experts for the purpose of growth.

She noted that technology instruments, such as tools for reporting, softwares for drafting and review of contracts, have contributed to enhancement of the legal profession in Nigeria.

Ben, who is a Partner, Eminence Solicitors, advised young lawyers to embark on trainings and programmes that would help build their career.

On regulations, she noted that data protection regulation specifies the roles of lawyers, organisations and individuals to ensure data protection.

Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos branch, Yemi Akangbe, urged lawyers to see the practice as a profession and a business, stressing the need to consciously offer value in the industry.

He also called on young lawyers to practice general law before specialising to maintain relevance in the profession.

According to Akangbe, law industry is built on knowledge. He therefore urged practitioners to leverage on acquiring it to build capacity.

Founder, Techlawyered, Kelechi Achinonu, tasked lawyers on diligence in growth process, especially through study.

“Put out verifiable content on the media platforms. Go a little deeper to show you are really aware of your area of specialization,” she said.