On the 11th of October, 2023, Joyce Oduah FICMC graced the Nigerian Law School Kano Campus for a short presentation, leaving aspiring lawyers in awe. Oduah, a distinguished legal practitioner with over three decades of experience, unveiled the secrets to success in the legal profession. Her talk was an invaluable treasure trove of insights, focusing on emotional and social intelligence in the legal profession.
Oduah’s talk centred on the profound significance of emotional and social intelligence in the legal world. With eloquence and passion, she urged aspiring lawyers to understand and harness the power of these critical skills. “These two skills are critically important in this age of information, automation and agility. This is what distinguishes you from others. This keeps you relevant and ensures that AI does not ’steal’ your jobs. No matter how cognitively intelligent you are, an Artificial Intelligence system will most likely outsmart you in terms of reliability, consistency and speed…While cognitive and technical abilities are essential for passing exams, landing your first job, or earning a promotion, they may not be sufficient in the 21st-century legal profession. Today, emotional and social intelligence are highly valued interpersonal skills in the legal industry and society.” She noted that Emotional Intelligence encompasses empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, and motivation, which are the cornerstone of exceptional legal practice. Equally vital is social intelligence, which entails managing and understanding interpersonal relationships. Oduah painted a vivid picture of how these skills when honed, can unlock opportunities, foster professional growth, and elevate the legal profession to new heights.
As she spoke, Joyce Oduah also revealed her visionary young lawyer mentorship program slated for December. With an unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal luminaries, she pledged to offer invaluable guidance, support, and networking opportunities. This mentorship initiative aims to connect aspiring lawyers with prominent personalities across the spectrum of legal practice, creating a much-needed springboard for their careers. Oduah’s resolute belief in the potential of these aspiring lawyers shone through as she expressed her vision of seeing them as torchbearers and future leaders in the legal profession.
Joyce Oduah also unveiled a free virtual preparatory tutorial for the students before their exams. Set to unfold across all Nigerian Law School campuses, this tutorial promises to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their upcoming exams in November. But it doesn’t stop there. After the tutorial, students will have the chance to test their knowledge with a structured and timed mock exam, mirroring their bar examinations. The most outstanding performers will receive coveted rewards, including mentorship sessions with Joyce Oduah herself and opportunities for internships in her esteemed law firm, Joyce & Okey Oduah LP. This initiative represents not just an academic offering but a gateway to a successful legal career, illustrating Oduah’s deep commitment to inspiring and shaping the legal leaders of the future.
Joyce Oduah’s talk at the Nigerian Law School Kano Campus was more than an address; it was a call to action and a beacon of inspiration. Oduah’s desire to inspire and shape the future of the legal profession is palpable. Aspiring lawyers, this is your chance to be part of a transformative journey. Read the full article, below:
