Legal practice in Nigeria is single handedly one of the most hapless and thankless professions one could ever embark on. It makes you question why you even became a lawyer in the first place, if there were aspects of the law that you liked, and if it's too late to try something else, do you even know how to do anything else, at this point.
For one - there are so many lawyers, and we're all doing the same thing. All aptly titled - General Practitioners. All exceedingly versed in practicing ALL areas of the law. No specialization necessary. We're all also expected to practice the same way, know the myriad of laws in Nigeria, and tackle a legal problem just the same using similar solutions. We're all also expected to practice the same, look the same, converse and write the same as if we're all playing the same part in a play.
And two - There's no demand for the law or legal guidance in private and corporate dealings. System is not built to institute the use of a lawyer at every instance. How many times as an individual have you been persuaded to sign an agreement without engaging the use of a lawyer? Instead, we're all expected to be reactive (and not proactive) lawyers, effectively curtailing whatever problem that's erupted from neglect of the law.
And three - When demand is lower than supply it leaves no room for law to thrive and of course, in a system where law is not apparent it lets other elements filter through and subsist. There are even lawyers who meticulously design how to navigate these (dare I say!) "undesirable" elements, and excel at doing it to, so much so that one is expected to join the ranks and play to such despicable acts, otherwise, it should cause one to ask, are you really a lawyer in Nigeria.
When it should really be about practicing law - what's good, right, equitable and ethical - using your own method to achieve your own results.
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