INTERVIEW: Tobenna Erojikwe on Challenges, Growth, and the Future of Young Lawyers
The legal profession in Nigeria faces a host of challenges, but one of its prominent voices, Tobenna Erojikwe, former presidential aspirant of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), believes that young lawyers can carve their paths through resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Speaking to The Peoples’ Mouthpiece shortly after a career seminar for young lawyers hosted by maritime lawyer Nonso Azih at the Nigerian Law School’s dining hall in Lagos, Erojikwe shared insights on the structural imbalances in the legal profession, work-life balance, and his own career struggles.
During the interview, Erojikwe identified a fundamental structural imbalance in the legal profession, where more lawyers graduate from law school than there are training opportunities available.
“This is a major problem that nobody can truly do anything about. However, I keep encouraging young lawyers to take their destinies into their own hands—find opportunities in their desired area of practice, hone their skills, and develop themselves,” he advised.
He further emphasized that while mentorship is crucial, young lawyers must be proactive in creating their own opportunities rather than waiting for an ideal situation.
Work-Life Balance
Erojikwe believes that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has a role to play in influencing better working conditions. However, he maintains that the key to career progression is adding value.
In his statement, “As you’re adding value and becoming indispensable, you earn the respect of people. And when you earn that respect, you’ll find yourself in a place that truly appreciates you.”
He also pointed out that while big law firms provide exposure and prestige, smaller firms offer young lawyers the chance to gain hands-on experience earlier in their careers.
Reflecting on his own career journey, Erojikwe detailed the multiple transitions he had to navigate—from working in Nigeria to relocating to England, overcoming racial and cultural challenges as a black lawyer, and then returning to Nigeria to rebuild his professional reputation.
“The most important thing is constant learning—reinventing myself, staying motivated, and rewiring my mindset to adapt to new challenges. That is what has helped me grow in my career,” he shared.
According to Erojikwe in his conclusion, he praised initiatives like Nonso Azih’s career seminar to bridge the mentorship gap for young lawyers.
