Thread by @nayomi_FL

Dear Nigerian Law School Student,
I believe it has already been deeply entrenched in your consciousness that this is a period of extensive reading and preparations for Bar Finals. However, i think there are other points to note as you commence the externship proper tomorrow👇

*Go with the mindset of being a member of the Bar😀. Your career has begun. Start to think like a lawyer if you haven't. If you go with this mindset, it will guide your actions. You won't attempt to taint your reputarion from the start.

*Always be punctual. It is terribly wrong for you to sneak in after the court has begun sitting for the day or to arrive at your law firm long after your principal has arrived. It would be embarrassing to be struggling for seat with litigants on a day with a long cause list😊

*Be properly dressed. Because you are not in school doesn't mean red ties or animal print shoes are allowed. Avoid being embarrased due to your dressing. If lawyers are dragged for that, who you be🤷‍♀️

*Quit complaining about your posting. So you were posted to a Magistrate court and not High court, ehen?? Your murmuring will affect your attitude and that is not good for you. If it's a serious complaint, apply for a change. Be open to learning in the place you are in.

*Respect lawyers. Please, don't be struggling for seat with lawyers even if you came 8am and they came 10am. Junior lawyers stand up for seniors. If they observe seniority at the Bar, who are you? Know that you are being watched and mental notes are being made about you.

*Observe Courtroom decorum. No slouching, phones on ringer instead of on silent mode, chewing gum noisily, bants and distracting talk. In summary, avoid drawing unwarranted attention to yourself during court sittings.

*Don't skip days without permission, just because you feel you can or you want to read. Your supervisors are expected to write letters about your attachment when you are done. Don't give them reasons to speak ill of you.

*Pay attention. Observation is key. What you observe in court, the law firms, police stations, registries, etc can go a long way in helping you answer questions in Bar Finals. It's easier to recall what you see. Take interest in what is going on. Make the most of it.

*Ask questions. When a procedure is not clear, ask questions. No one will beat you or shame you for not knowing. Most, if not all supervisors, especially Judges, are eager to answer your questions and even give further clarification.

*Fill your logbooks, both the activities and reflections sections. Don't procrastinate. It takes a certain level of discipline but do your best to keep your logbooks up to date either daily or weekly. Once, you start letting it pile up, it just becomes another huge task.

*Read, Read, Read..Can't be over-emphasized. Do well to cut down on your reading materials. By now, 2 or 3 resources in each course ought to be enough. Practice your drafts. Print out OMR sheets and practise your MCQs under 50 minutes, preferably😀

Only so much can be compressed in threads, but i hope you've gotten something and would put them to practice. Avoid embarrassments at all costs. Establish an excellent reputation wherever you are. Wish you all the best🤗😘

If you think there's something you'd like me to touch on in the coming weeks, you can drop a comment. But, plix u pipu should not tell me to summarize the courses😂😂. Thank you