Purposeful Resumption: As legal practice resumes nationwide, Professor Foluke Dada-Lawanson has issued a reflective and values-driven charge to members of the Nigerian Bar, urging lawyers to return to work with intention, clarity, and renewed professional conscience.
In her message, Prof. Dada-Lawanson called on legal practitioners to resist the pressure to rush back into routine, stressing that meaningful resumption requires thoughtful self-assessment rather than mere activity.
“As most activities resume, I encourage you to take a pause. Take a deep breath — and then give it another, better shot,” she said.
Addressing young lawyers in particular, the respected academic and legal practitioner acknowledged the anxiety that often accompanies early professional years, reassuring them that certainty is not a prerequisite for success in the legal profession.
“There is no pressure to have it all figured out,” she noted. “This profession will test your patience, your values, and your sense of direction. What matters is how you return to the work each time — with clarity, integrity, and a willingness to learn.”
Professor Dada-Lawanson emphasized that resumption should not be mistaken for repetition, urging lawyers to abandon unproductive habits and recommit to principled practice.
“Resuming does not mean repeating old mistakes. It means returning with intention,” she stated.
She further encouraged members of the Bar to cultivate professional discipline by listening before speaking, understanding before deciding, and choosing service even when recognition is absent.
“These habits, practiced early, will quietly shape your future,” she added.
Concluding her charge, Prof. Dada-Lawanson reminded practitioners that true professionalism is defined in moments unseen by applause or public validation.
“Be deliberate. Be thoughtful. And do the work properly — even when no one is watching,” she said.
Her message serves as a timely ethical compass for the Bar as the year progresses, reinforcing the enduring values of integrity, patience, and service at the heart of legal practice. Purposeful Resumption
Signed:
Prof. Foluke Dada-Lawanson
#PossibilityMovement
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