Post by Chidinma Kenneth

Litigation or Corporate Practice? This is a question most lawer struggles with. I struggled with it too. Growing up, I already knew I wanted to become a lawyer. There was never really a Plan B. While I was in university and later at law school, I started attending court proceedings. I remember sitting in court and watching the female judges; poised, confident, elegant, and commanding so much respect in the courtroom. One particular day stands out vividly. I was sitting in the courtroom of Honourable Justice Chinelo N. Odili, the daughter of a former Governor of Rivers State, and I was completely fascinated. The way she spoke, the authority she carried, the respect everyone gave her… it was inspiring. That day, I went home and told my dad: “I want to become a judge.” And I meant it. Typical Nigerian Dad, he was so happy and proud of me😂 But life has a funny way of revealing things about us. During law school and even after I was called to the Nigerian Bar, something began to shift. I found myself drawn to Corporate Law. I enjoyed it so much that I started helping some students who struggled with the course. I held tutorials and realized that I genuinely loved the field. That was when a powerful realization hit me: Sometimes we want something simply because we admire how others do it. But admiration is different from alignment. It’s not always about choosing a path because it looks prestigious or admirable from the outside. Sometimes it’s about discovering what truly excites you when no one is watching. So I leaned into it. I studied more, I learned more and I explored more. Today, I work as a Corporate Lawyer with 3 years of professional experience, and I can honestly say I enjoy the path I chose. To every young lawyer trying to decide between Litigation and Corporate Practice: Don’t rush the decision. Observe, learn and explore. Do well to try different things. Your path in law doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Sometimes the career meant for you is the one you discover along the way. And that’s perfectly okay. Have an amazing week🥰