In a heartfelt message that has begun resonating widely within the legal community, Prof. Foluke Dada-Lawanson, renowned scholar and mentor to young lawyers, shared an emotional reflection on the realities of leadership, growth, and personal resilience.
Speaking in her signature warm and reassuring tone, Prof. Dada-Lawanson acknowledged that not every week feels triumphant, and that is perfectly human.
“Some weeks stretch us.
Some weeks strengthen us.
And some weeks simply remind us that we are still becoming,”
she noted, offering comfort to early-career lawyers navigating demanding workloads and internal pressures.
Addressing those who may have experienced a challenging or mixed week, she wrote:
“You are allowed to grow at your own pace. Leadership is not a display of perfection; it is the courage to keep showing up, even on the days you feel unsure.”
Her message particularly struck a chord with young practitioners, often burdened by expectations of constant confidence and unwavering performance.
She reminded them that unseen efforts are just as valuable:
“Every small effort you made this week, even the quiet ones nobody saw, mattered more than you think.”
As the weekend begins, Prof. Dada-Lawanson urged emerging lawyers to pause, breathe, and recognise their ongoing evolution:
“Celebrate your resilience, and trust that your movement is building something meaningful. You are on your way.”
Her closing signature, #PossibilityMovement, reinforced her long-standing belief in nurturing courage, authenticity, and growth within the next generation of legal minds.
Prof. Dada-Lawanson’s message serves as a timely reminder that the journey to leadership is not a sprint but a steady unfolding, one anchored in self-compassion and unwavering purpose.
