Entries Invited From Young Lawyers For Legal Essay Contest

The recent bilateral trade agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom on legal services has ignited a fierce debate notably amongst Nigerian lawyers.

While it purports to foster trade and investment through cross-border legal practice, concerns have nevertheless been raised about its potential impact on the Nigerian legal services industry.

This debate forms the subject of this Essay Competition designed to critically analyze the import of the agreement and its potential consequences on law practice and legal services in Nigeria.

Known as “The Nonso Azih  Legal Essay Contest” – the
competition will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of the process, focusing on issues like access to justice, protection of Nigerian lawyers, and the development of the domestic legal system.

In addition, participants in the competition whose first edition took place in 2017 are encouraged to consider alternative frameworks for fostering legal cooperation and suggest strategies for ensuring a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership.

According to a press release made available to Thisday, the competition is designed to develop legal and related research skills amongst young lawyers and law students, as well as promote self-development towards enhanced law practice.

The 2024 edition is open to all young Nigerian lawyers between 1-5 years post call to bar experience, and the deadline for submission is 30th April, while winners will be announced on 31st May 2024.

The prize monies are N250, 000, N150, 000, and N100, 000 for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions, respectively.

The judges for this edition are made up of accomplished and well-regarded legal practitioners as follows: Desmond Ogba – Partner, Templars, Chinenye Oragwu – Managing Partner, Calmhill Partners Jamiu Akolade – Legal Counsel, SPDC, Bayo Onamade – Group Governance and Compliance Manager, Oando Plc, Kenneth Okwor – Counsel, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Ozioma Agu – Partner, Stren & Blan Partners