I personally think your choice of speciality is not a wrong decision,however I think its gud u start to realize that all the glitters u get from gold started from melting..you're not yet done wit service,hold-on God is working somtin!

Bro really sorry,its really feel bad.just look to GOD HE can help u.and pray more,pray like you neva pray b4.pray and pray again

queenfav:
I woke up this morning with a lot on my mind. So much that I didn't know when tears started rolling down my cheeks.

I am getting frustrated. To think I did everything right in school to ensure I left with with a 2:1 grade. I ask myself ,where did I go wrong? To make matters worse, my family members think all is well since I am a "barrister".

I am slowly beginning to regret my decision to be a lawyer. Though I am still serving as a batch C corps member,I get scared. So scared that I may have to take up work in a firm that pays 15000 naira. God knows I have tried. I have sent out more than 200 applications, yet nothing!

Which job recuitment site have I not signed up with? This was not what I envisaged for my career when I was being called to bar. Even in the midst of the mass failure of my set, I bagged a 2.2 from law school; still nothing to show for it. I know people from my university that graduated with 3rd class now working with top law firms.

Well, I have been told to stop wasting my time by applying for associate jobs on the websites of law firms. The reason being that they rarely employ lawyers anonymously. It is mostly through recommendation or connection. God knows I really want to practice law, but the job is not forthcoming. I have my rent to pay, bills to take care of and cannot survive on 15k a month after 6 years of going to school. I am open to suggestions anyways.

Someone even adviced I start a business or learn a trade! Yes, that's how sad it is. Many may feel am overreacting. All fingers are not equal. Family members and friends I thought would be able to help out are now giving me the cold shoulder. I have cause to be worried since I am solely responsible for myself now. I can't even bear the thought of going back home to depend on my parents. If I had known it was going to be this way, I wouldn't have wasted my time and resources becoming a lawyer. What's the point? I am still looking and bringing myself to apply to firms.

After december, I may have to think of something else to do.

relax my broda!!! use dat to tell God wat u want. sometimes it always like that for you to truly appreciate d big success coming your way. As for those who always get wat they want ask dem wat dey will want God to change in their live.
Your success is very close that is why devil want you to lose hope. Be careful not to, this is the time you need to pray harder. ups and downs is the journey of life many struggle so hard to get that 2:1 but don't then you are up they were down. God is now testing you only for a big thing to roll in after the test.
Go back to God tell him you appreciate all he has done in your life, you will forever be grateful for them. Give thanks to him for he promise to increase his blessings in the life of a grateful soul.

my learned brother, it took me time to realize I wasn't the one who posted this. Your story depicts my life experience since the past 5years. However, my candid advise to you is to upgrade your CV if you have the means. Just enroll in any advanced professional course,Msc. Especially. In the alternative join business while you continue searching for better job. I am doing same now. There are a lot of good jobs for higher certificate and the eligible personnel are few up there.

My dear brother, take it easy, it is well. Actually Law is a very good and rewarding profession. The secret is very simple. You have to work hard and never expect overnight riches. Its a profession that first you have to earn experience and dexterity and after that, jobs will be chasing you. Again, there is so much untapped area of practice that people haven't even scratched. All the poor guys i knew that studied Law are all very rich people today. The ones that have remained poor are those who failed to work hard, but were busy looking for fat salaries in other industries without even learning the trade. Please my friend appreciate what you have. Just give yourself 2 years of hard work and focus and you will become very comfortable. Thank you

God knows the write tym for u

In as much as everyone is encouraging you and all that,I still think you should think out of the box,I wanted to be a lawyer but being a lawyer is a long term project and you can't be super rich as you've always wanted to..You can still start off a business or engage in other things..As young as I am and in the street,I have experienced lawyers that are willing to kill for me and they are very good lawyers but not very rich,So what am saying is that maybe to be a lawyer is not your calling!! Don't limit yourself by believing you are not good for any other thing again..Talking in ejawomo!!

If u are nt ashamed of urslf, I am on ur behalf... ds is conduct incompatible with the status of a lawyer.. Onadeko must b biting his fingers in regret over calling u to the Bar. if I unearth ur identity, heaven knows dt I will personally drag u to the Legal Practitioners' Disciplinary Committee

I knw u are still a kid.Continue to eat ur mama free food.

steppin:

Elephant house indeed! As your assistant, to the chief security officer?
Give the job to your deadbeat father. He needs it more than I do.
Anu mpama!

Wow!!!!

Hidentity, I wish I could like and share your comment 10,000 times.

Beautiful piece. Trust me, you nailed it!!!

GO ONLINE APPLY TO CANADA IMMIGRATION BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE AND THEY SHUT THEIR DOOR

SaiBuharii:
Law and Medicne are overrated in Nigeria, the stress is less than the benefit...unless u plan to relocate.

Wanted to study law, but was discouraged it's not worth it. I'm sure I will have easily finished with a minimum of a 2.1 in both uni and law skul...so it's not even the difficulty.

Put in for a 4 year course and I'm earning my cash. My mates dt put in for law are still eida in law skul or serving, when they come to the labour mkt, and they come to my industry, no advantage, they become my junior, even in the public service, they put them on grade 8

Start doing courses that will feed you well, not that will give u title. Don't impress your parents because they want to be "papa Lawyer, they will not feed your children. Since you are after the money, you must not practice. Banking industry, oil and gas, Agricultural industry, taxation industry await you with good offers.

By the way, you are still serving. You can't get paid for what is compulsory. No dey give yourself grief.

You sounded so easy like a kid taking pap.
whatever you have studied, yourself & a lawyer can never earn same (if you start together).
the op's issue today wouldn't last long, so long as she puts in effort. everyone, even Gani experienced it initially.
come to think of it, Nigeria has less than 95,000 lawyers (going by supreme court register)

U are there pitying yourself, u better wake up because u don't need recommendation to make it as a lawyer. U can start from somewhere as a lawyer visit courts, and from there u will meet lawyers that u think you can talk to who all put you through in areas of litigation, corporate, property so many areas. Once u get a grasp of it u will know what to do. Its easy to make money when u have a client base, what u need in d profession are clients who will give u briefs and that settles it cos there are always seniors to help out. Rather than regret seek ways to sell yourself to. People around u and start building your client base. See u at the top

OP..I hope you just discovered something you never imagined,which is the free love and wise counsel many people have given you here..eventually you got the decision to make and please don't fail all these guys and the many others out there who believe in you..your university admission slot blocked that of someone else who was more passionate about the profession..go see very rich and successful people in old age struggling to read law even after part time had been scrapped, some even appealing to the legal council to recognise Open University law programme..I won't judge you because of your imperfect approach to this but I bet you will be advising somebody else someday in the nearest future having 'arrived', of how you once felt and even quote this topic..the world is at your feet,discover it..see you at the top and even beyond.

The first natural feeling for most people going through this kind of experience, is extreme dissatisfaction and the tendency to blame yourself. But I will advice you stay firm, no matter how difficult that will be--- and yes, it's difficult.
Aside other considerations, I want to educate you on a notion that has misled many, including the "educated".

The fact that you studied law in school does not mean that you must practice law as your career. In fact, you have not started any career yet.

Except for a parochial mind, what you studied in school is not necessarily your career path. One of the best sports presenters in Nigeria and the current Super Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye, studied Agricultural Economics. Sunday Oliseh is a Lawyer. There are so many examples.

In most of our bank branches, we have more Engineers than graduates of Accounting or BKF.

So, your job search shouldn't be limited to law firms. There are so many organisations where your law degree could get you a good paying job.

Let me also plead with you to be proud of both yourself and your degree as a lawyer, because it gives you so many advantages and personal jobs---that is if you continue renewing your licence and paying your practising fee.

I am a HR personnel in a leading bank in Nigeria, but just like you, I wish I studied law.

Lastly, don't be ashamed of depending further on your sponsors for a while, but just be focused and ambitious.

obailala:

No you did not make a mistake studying law and you are not making a mistake by being worried this early. However, you seem not to appreciate the terrible unemployment situation in the country yet, hence you complain about unsuccessful applications even though you are still serving.

Are there opportunities out there for you to practice your profession?... The answer is yes. But coming fresh from the university, the truth is that you do not yet know what is involved or what is obtainable in your field. Now is the time for you to start networking and socialising and doing all the mingling you can. When you mingle enough with people in your profession, you would be able to appreciate the vast range of options you have as a lawyer. When you appreciate the vast range of options you have as a lawyer, then you will be able to make an informed decision on which field you intend to build your career.

Whatever the case, now is too early to give up on your course; the problem you have presently has absolutely nothing to do with your course.

@queenfav: I strongly recommend the above post, especially the bolded. It is just too early for you to come to this conclusion unless you have set some unrealistic/over-ambitious targets for yourself during the service year.

I have as friends a few young lawyers who are forging ahead with their career despite not collecting what you can call "meagre salaries". One just set up his own practice after gaining valuable experience with an older colleague. In contrast, a senior colleague of mine went back to University to study Law, from the scratch. He will soon go to Law School. His target is to leave banking very soon and practice law. He is simply tired of the "rat race".

One thing I admire about the profession is the possibility of setting up your own practice after a while and you can work in virtually any sector/industry just like the Accountants. It is all about the mindset.

What you should focus on for now is how to work in an environment where you can get the needed practical experience and exposure.

@hardbody: Boss, you are needed here

kurupt1:
And what makes you feel your better than your friends??cos maybe you were lucky to get a 2.1 and they got a 2.2?

Did you even read what I wrote there?

Read and digest very well before you comment, I was talking to the OP and not you.

I wish I can tell you my story and testimony, I finished my service last year ( Batch B) few months before POP I became apprehensive of next step to take, I didn't study professional course , I didn't graduate with 2:1, i didn't graduate with my mates (extra year things/FUTO Wahala), i had no uncle or Aunt to connect me, i have too many relatives who were eagerly waiting for my breakthrough, too many things were actually at stake, it was only me and my God. one month after service I became terribly depressed, but in all this I didn't give up on God. by October I packed my bags of shame ready to leave Abuja to Onitsha to join my big bro in his business ( though the very lest thing in my mind but I had no options even as my bank account turned horse blood red), fortunately something delayed my journey 3 times for two weeks, then a call came in the very last night after which I would've left in the morning, begging me to come & take up a job, at first I so much considered the job to be too mundane and thus, looked down on the job. out of pride and fear I did everything within my reach to resist the job but the hands of God pressed me still to the job ( I even quited @ the 11th hour still people begged me to come back). less than 6months down the job and I see more than a million naira cross carpet my account, I was dumbfounded and know truly that this can only be an art of God and I give him all the glory....

this is my story and I wrote this to encourage you my dear to put your trust in God and he will see you through, don't regret /worry about the course you studied, don't worry about the uncles and the Aunties they are humans too and are bound to fail.. It's only God who cannot fail you and guess what ? He knows you time & season and until your appointed time all you could do is to excise Patience and trust him more .... God's time is not just the best but also the ultimate.

#TruegreatnessinlifeisofGod

1. The universe is structured in a way that it listens to us. It listens to what we say often. Just like a wish, it always presents that which often occupies our mind. In other words, we create our world a times with our own mind. Some times that which we always talk about or think about come to us and this may be called the Law of Attraction. So, change your mindset. Think about that kind of job you wanted. Imagine yourself dressing up every morning and going to that kind of work you want and you will see it happening.
2. You have a very good result to start with in the first place. 2.1 LL. B and 2.2 BL is no easy achievement. You don't have to compare yourself with anyone because life is no competition unless yours is. So, let your own things matter to you and concentrate on it. Have you considered your current location if it is contributing to the situation. Because I know that location affects practice in a way. Is too early to think of giving up. You become a failure of when you give up.
3. Ascertain your driving force. Is it Passion? Greed? Fantasy? What is it? This is what keeps you going even now you contemplate to quit remember your driving force and fire back. I just came out of law school and awaiting Call. I made 2.1 in both but am not boasting rather I want to encourage you to be you and remain focus. God may be preparing you for something big and can't afford to conclude your case when God has not. My brother/sister be strong and be positive. God is on your case.

I feel ur pain broz. But wait o! Did u say u ar a serving corpa?who ll want to hire an 'otondo' barrister? Wat u need now is experience . 4get apart d pay now n gada d necessary skill in ur carreer
U must keep ur mind flexible cox nig.labour mkt is in a mess.4get ur certificate n credentials.wat matters is ur potentials .professnal in nig. Ar higly educated but grossly underpaid n I can tel ul witout apology dat d case is most pathetic with lawyers.
Wish u bst of luck after ur nysc

Olufhemy:


You sounded so easy like a kid taking pap.
whatever you have studied, yourself & a lawyer can never earn same (if you start together).
the op's issue today wouldn't last long, so long as she puts in effort. everyone, even Gani experienced it initially.
come to think of it, Nigeria has less than 95,000 lawyers (going by supreme court register)

Ok.

Ok..I just finished cooking oniru palm oil rice and fish and I saw my post on the front page..oga seun,don't make money out of my predicament .lol..jokes aside..Please anyone that can help me with a job in a lawfirm that can pay sth reasonable please do..I beg u with everything you hold dear.A lawyer is taught to be proud..If I close mouth ,form say all is well..I may take to the streets due to frustration

SaiBuharii:
Law and Medicne are overrated in Nigeria, the stress is less than the benefit...unless u plan to relocate.

Wanted to study law, but was discouraged it's not worth it. I'm sure I will have easily finished with a minimum of a 2.1 in both uni and law skul...so it's not even the difficulty.

Put in for a 4 year course and I'm earning my cash. My mates dt put in for law are still eida in law skul or serving, when they come to the labour mkt, and they come to my industry, no advantage, they become my junior, even in the public service, they put them on grade 8

Start doing courses that will feed you well, not that will give u title. Don't impress your parents because they want to be "papa Lawyer, they will not feed your children. Since you are after the money, you must not practice. Banking industry, oil and gas, Agricultural industry, taxation industry await you with good offers.

By the way, you are still serving. You can't get paid for what is compulsory. No dey give yourself grief.

. good points bt medicine is far better considering their housemanship pay

I have a Coursemate that graduated with a third class grade in 2007,

But, as am typing this now, he is working with Oil Company in Bonny Island-Rivers State.

.

Well you never know what God has in plan for you... But maybe for the main time you fit go dey do " charge and bail" Lawyer tilly ou find something real good.

kilode100:
Op, are you a guy or a girl?..

If you are a girl, locate festus keyamo, bang the hell outta him(I hope you are beautiful) because the guy na oko ashawo.. Whe n he gives you the job, create controversies and confusions that only you can solve, look for one politician to expose, pretend to be good and you will be the most sought after... Abike Dabiri did it, senator Chris Anyanwu that publisher did it, and so can you.

Even I kilode100 did it

Good luck!!

lol..I have sent him my cv o..He said he will contact me when there's opening.He is my friend on facebook.if na oko ashewo make I zero my mind then o.

josite:
im a lawyer for over 2 decades and what i can telll you right now is you are the one with a wrong mindset and a wrong approach to the market.You don't start any race discouraged .My best advice for you right now is to seek scholarship and do masters and possibly phd and get yourself started on a ladder that leads to professorship or perm sec.

You sounds surely as someone who is not prepared for the tough career of a legal practitioner in Nigeria which is even getting tougher by the seconds.Better still you can join customs or police or immigration or politics.

I will do one thing for you .send your cv .we can arrange a probation for you for a limited time in chambers but believe me if you cant add value,the probation will not be extended and you will certainly get more far in excess of 15000 during the probabtion and more than enough empowerment to finetuned your career direction.supply your gsm here and i will give you the email.

stop being pessimistic,start praying and never stop praying and hoping and working,even 2000 failed applications doesn't mean all the applications will always fail.you owe apologies to the profession because we dont know of any firm paying 15k monthly.

oga there are firms paying 15k ,shes right

Gboliwe:
Queenfav, be strong. It's always darkest before dawn. You are in that darkest time, soon you will see the light. It may sound like mere words but trust me, it's the truth.

I've been there and I know exactly how you feel. At some point, I was even considering going to sell ponmo, tomato and crayfish in a table in the market since I wouldn't even be able to afford rent. It was that bad. I have some parts of my down time period detailed somewhere in my posts on this forum and I leave it there as encouragement to any who may need to be encouraged. I felt awful then.

Like you, I was offered a job that would pay N17k, I took it. And funny as it may sound, I started climbing gradually but steadily. Today, I look back and laugh at that time/period. But then, it had prepared me in no small way into the wonderful person I have become. So, if the 15k can solve one of your many needs, please take it. It worked for me, it will work for you. It will build you and make you respect values and people more. Cry when you feel like it but don't have a pity party, get up, dust yourself and go get your hands dirty. It will pay off in "the fulness of time"

I wish you the very best.

thanks a lot..u are wise beyond your years..I will take up a job with the firm that will pay 10k by january if I don't get anything better.God dey!

Op, which state are you? May be i can talk to my brother on your behalf. He also had rough moment both when in school and after school but today, by God's grace, he's able to put food on his table comfortably and afford other basic things of life. Let me know the state you are if it's within my area. I always feel bad seeing people in pains and willing to help within my little capacity though most at times, people dont want to help me when i need their help.

Vikky014:
. good points bt medicine is far better considering their housemanship pay

The pay has even reduced. The suffer > The benefit.

queenfav:
lol..I have sent him my cv o..He said he will contact me when there's opening.He is my friend on facebook.if na oko ashewo make I zero my mind then o.

Ok.