BEING A NEW WIG

The fondest memories of being called to the Nigerian Bar are the food, newly learned friends across the table, not so learned man-oeuvres with cutlery, standing and bowing remain forever etched in your mind, legs and neck.  It becomes increasingly difficult to airbrush reservations sticking to a profession whose obvious trappings are medieval and so unsuited to a tropical climate.  Do not be assuming about those who do not appear on NBA's who's who; the tests and interviews you will get will provide free client consultation and advocacy classes.

While good grades are important and cushion your way, it is not always that vital.  It is always fantastic to have been first in your class and almost third in law school but your prospective employers want to see how you can convert your legal theory in practice.  Still, if you have made it to the interview stage, their minds are half made up to taking you in.  You should safely ignore studying the egg shell principle in tort - any interviewer who goes into that is probably not worth your time.  You will most likely be asked for your opinion on Nigeria's Bakassi Peninsular handover.

Dress well.  You cannot go wrong with the proper law school dress code.  A little subtle variation of colors may not be out of place though.  You can always go conservative or upscale in line with your new office's culture once you get your boot in.

Confidence.  You cannot go wrong with a little mint breath and ego.  You made the interview regardless of your novice standing at the Bar.  You do not need to be class valedictorian to be an excellent lawyer.  Many of our very learned seniors who have made SAN status and IBA decorations did not receive prizes for being top academic Einsteins.

Keep to the basic interview guidelines you already know - clean shoes, defy traffic with good sense and get there on time; look into the eyes of the interviewers, remember it is not the end of the world.  When you get in, realize that like all good things, it takes a lot of hard work.  Take time to learn and sponge off on everything you can.  Enjoy the cocktails you will attend, keep away from tough protein and use a little balm for the shoulders.

Soon, you will trace out your path and actually enjoy the little nuances that make us assume we are distinguished.