For every lawyer, the Call to Bar marks the culmination of years of rigorous study, sleepless nights, and the nerve-wracking Bar Finals. It is a moment of pride and fulfilment. Yet, for many young lawyers, the euphoria quickly gives way to a sobering reality, the challenges of navigating the early years of practice. Low pay, lack of mentorship, career uncertainty, and the pressure of balancing personal and professional life define the journey for many. But as Iniobong Irene Pepple, Esq., explains, those first five years, though daunting, can become the foundation of a sustainable and fulfilling legal career when approached with resilience, discipline, and the right support.
Breaking into top firms remains a major challenge, with countless applications often met with silence. Many young lawyers find themselves in firms that do not align with their career goals. Others wrestle with uncertainty about practice areas, fearing litigation or wasting years on the “wrong path.” The financial struggle is equally pressing. Entry-level salaries, sometimes as low as ₦20,000–₦40,000, make sustainability a concern. Female lawyers often carry the added burden of balancing motherhood with practice. Meanwhile, the perception that only large firms with physical offices are “real” continues to disadvantage lawyers embracing flexible, digital practice models.
Yet, the first five years can become a launchpad. Finding a mentor shortens the learning curve and provides direction. Staying hungry for knowledge through CPDs, NBA-ICLE, and webinars keeps a lawyer relevant. Balancing patience with ambition ensures growth while financial discipline helps avoid early pitfalls. Embracing flexibility, whether through online practice, shared workspaces, or digital innovation, remains a viable way to thrive in a changing legal landscape.
The Nigerian Bar Association has also stepped in with supportive initiatives. The NBA-YLF Mentorship Program pairs young lawyers with experienced practitioners, while NBA-ICLE and CPD programs offer affordable training. Advocacy for better welfare and remuneration continues, alongside platforms that encourage modern practice models. These initiatives signal that survival should not rest solely on personal resilience, but also on collective professional support.
In the end, the first five years will test every lawyer stretching patience, shaking confidence, and challenging resolve. But they are also the years that shape resilience and sharpen focus. “Surviving practice isn’t about waiting for luck,” Pepple concludes. “It is about intentionality, financial discipline, continuous learning, and finding your voice—whether in a top firm, a boutique practice, or an innovative solo venture. The struggle is not just about survival, but about building the foundation of a career that is sustainable, impactful, and deeply fulfilling.”
By INIOBONG IRENE PEPPLE, ESQ., AICMC, McArb
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MEET BARR. (MRS.) INIOBONG IRENE PEPPLE, AICMC, MCArb, NOTARY PUBLIC
