Law Development System in Africa

Africa has a whole is a formidable and unprecedented continent in the world. We are so blessed with many natural and human resources. We are making some progress in our educational system but obviously a whole lot has to be done. Our law development system for example has to be reworked.

We need to ensure that our lawyers are competent and effective in their practice by taking a good look at the law development processes. If we don’t do this our clients will suffer for it.

According to survey, it could take a lawyer about five to ten years after graduation to feel that sense of competence and maturity as a practicing lawyer or professional.

Why spend that long period of time in school if what you are taught is not really applicable in the real world?

This requires some urgent attention if the next generation of lawyers produced are to fair better in terms of performance and result.

The purpose of school is learning. Certainly, the big books recommended to be read are so crucial. Knowledge is critical. But if the knowledge isn’t practical then something is wrong.

The knowledge gathered should be applicable to real life issues.

Enough exposure should be given to lawyers so they will have the practical knowledge of all that has been taught via some experience.

There is a need to reduce the huge lacuna that exists between the academy and real practice while still giving the students the basic understanding and origin of the profession.

One of the top skills needed by lawyers is the ability to communicate and listen appropriately.

Our law systems should focus on teaching such a skill more so that lawyers won’t stop at simply leaning how to speak good English but also learn the act of listening. If you don’t understand your client how can you defend his course correctly?

Every legal education must have a room in the curriculum for a system that permits students to practice effective communication.

You can’t learn driving by reading and being a competent lawyer won’t come by coming out of school with good grades alone.
If you can’t communicate well with your client the result can be fatal even it the case is meant to be in your favor.

Learning good communication skills will help you as lawyer communicate well with your clients, vendors, associates and partners.

And this only comes when our curriculum focuses more on improving the communication skills of students preparing to be lawyers.