STUDENT UNION: “LISTEN MORE TO LEARN MORE”- LEGAL EXPERT ADVISED

 

 

A legal expert has advised the newly inaugurated “barristers” of the 2020/20201 academic session of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo to do more of listening than talking when handling a case.

 

This was said at the inauguration and orientation ceremony for barristers, organized by the Student Judicial Council (SJC) of the Student Union, on Thursday 1 July, 2021 at Babatunde Ipaye Lecture Theatre in the institution.

 

In a her keynote address on the topic “The duties of a barrister,” Miss, Omowunmi Olabanji (Esq.) noted that a call to bar is being called to stand for someone when an issue arises. She emphasized that being a barrister is more than a title as it is important to know what you have been called to do before being addressed as one.

 

Olabanji stated that one of the duties of a barrister is to be familiar with the constitution as a guide for legal activities, saying it helps in carrying out one’s duties properly as a barrister. 

 

The female lawyer warned that there must be a client and barrister confidentiality. “Don’t go about disclosing the story of your client to a third party to avoid subjecting your client to condemnation and further spread of the case before appearing in court.”

 

She pointed out that having a client-and-barrister confidentiality helps in keeping the trust a client has in you. Olabanji cautioned the barristers not to be biased while handling a case because of personal acquaintance.

 

The legal expert advised them to learn to explore other alternative ways of settling dispute before going to court. “Learn to adopt Arbitration for settling dispute, not all cases require appearing in court before it gets settled.”

 

“Don’t always opt for appearing in court to settle a case, learn to adopt other alternative dispute settlement techniques.”

 

She concluded that a barrister should not have the mindset of winning a case but the mindset of proving a point. “The moment you are bent on winning a case, you have failed as a lawyer. Always be after proving your points using a brief and let people see the sense in your argument.”

 

The guest speaker, Barrister Adeyogbee Jerry, who spoke on the Ethics of the Law Profession, explained that law is a noble, decorous and learned profession as it is a sober profession that allows you to be versed in almost all professions and keeps you abreast. “That is why law is being referred to as a profession for the intelligent ones.”

 

He spoke extensively on the appearance of a barrister as it is Important in the profession. “The guys must be neatly dressed in their white and black attire with a tie and blazer, a black socks and a shoe. You must have a befitting hair cut also. The ladies must be well dressed in white and black with a moderate hair-do and a corporate shoe,” she revealed.

 

Adeyogbee emphasized the need to be composed when appearing in court as a barrister. 

 

He said, “It is an offence punishable by the law when two lawyers are seen standing and arguing at the same time during a court session. It is considered as a contempt in the court of law.” 

 

He advised that they should learn to be patient on the job. “Don’t let the other lawyer pressurize you.” 

 

The Vice-Dean, Division of Student Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Justina Ogboru stressed the keynote speaker’s point on listening more to learn more. She advised the newly-inaugurated barristers to take all that had been said to heart. 

 

She further noted that: “Student unionism has gone far more than shouting. It is now a unionism that can reason and dialogue. Don’t support a friend or someone, support reasoning.”

 

The Chief Justice of the Student Union Government, Hon. Justice Oderemi Peter stated that the student unionism is formed to promote and defend the welfare needs of the student populace in Nigerian tertiary institutions. 

 

He said that the inauguration of the barrister is in line with Section 47 sub-section 1 of the Adeyemi College of Education Students’ Union Constitution, which states that “The council shall organize Students’ Bar Association which must consist of all the Barristers on campus.”   

 

Oderemi revealed that it is the duty of barristers of different chambers to inform their lead counsels about cases which in turn will report to the SBA chairman before it is put forward to the Chief Justice. 

 

He also encouraged the members of Student Judicial Council to put in their collective efforts in achieving a practicability of autonomy. “Practicability of autonomy is difficult in judicial arm but achievable through positive collective effort and unity.”

 

The event was attended by: Dean, Division of Student Affairs, Mr. Olukayode Akinola; Vice Dean, Division of Student Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Justina  Ogboru; Acting Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations Unit, Mrs. Oluseto Olatuyi; Administrative Officer, Mr. Sunday Babalola; keynote speaker, Omowumi Olabanji (Esq.) Associate in Suprema Law Firm; guest speaker, Adeyogbee Jerry (Esq.) Associate in Suprema Law Firm; former Chief Justice of the Student Union, Hon. Justice Yusuf Wasiu; and officers of the Student Union Government.

 

FOR FULL STORY CLICK HERE – Student Union…