Joy Adesina SAN, FCArb
Designation
Founder
Company
Okungbowa Adesina & Co
Can you share a brief overview of your legal journey?
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I was called to the Bar in December 1993, and since then, I have actively engaged in legal practice, including litigation from the High Court to the Supreme Court. Aside from being in active litigation, I have over the 30+ years post call, been actively involved in other areas of dispute resolution such as Arbitration, Adjuducation, Mediation and Conciliation.
What inspired you to become a lawyer?
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Mine was a classic case of making lemonade when life gives you lemons. Initially, I aspired to become a doctor or a nurse, driven by my passion for attending to and caring for people.
However, during my secondary education, where the foundation for my dream should have been properly laid, the critical subjects required for a medical career were not adequately taught. Consequently, I found myself steered towards the Arts. In that field, law was regarded as the most prestigious course, leading me to ultimately choose a career in law.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that inspired you to pursue a career in law?
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When I took the JAMB examination the first time, my score did not meet the cutoff for law. My uncle, who sadly passed away before my call to the bar, suggested I pursue a degree in education instead, mentioning subjects like History, Literature in English, or even C.R.K., with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed). He believed law was not a suitable field for women, claiming it was challenging for men, and presumably more so for a woman. His statement was a turning point for me. Until that comment, I had been contemplating whether pursuing education would be preferable to waiting another year to retake the JAMB. However, his comment strengthened my resolve. I decided that no matter how long it took, I would study law, practice it, and persevere through the challenges. I waited for another year until I was able to gain admission to study law. To the glory of God Almighty, apart from attaining my goal of becoming a lawyer, I am a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and the Principal partner of Okungbowa Adesina and Co.
And what advice do you have for women aspiring to follow a similar path?
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Be determined! Go after your dream, no matter how unattainable others think it is. Whatever life throws at you, make the best out of it.
How can legal organisations, Professional Associations and Government bodies collaborate to create a more inclusive environment for women in the legal profession both in terms of representation and career advancement?
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I believe that awareness of the benefits of diversity in the workplace is a crucial factor. Each gender plays a significant role, and when these roles are collectively harnessed, the outcomes are invariably exceptional. I am inclined to think that we are performing well in terms of inclusivity. Many women are now serving on the bench in state judiciaries. Additionally, the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court all feature representation from the female gender. Currently, we have the second female President of the Court of Appeal. In a few months from now, we will welcome the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Women also lead the judiciary in several states of the Federation. We have currently serving, the first female Solicitor General of the Federation. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the number of women being conferred with the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) annually. Thus, I can confidently say that we are making progress. I encourage women to seek mentors and role models. I encourage women to be willing to mentor and serve as role models.
Women in the legal profession often face unique challenges, can you share personal experiences where you over-came gender related obstacles in your career, and how did these experiences shape your approach to inclusivity?
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In my case, the absence of mentorship was a significant hurdle. Operating in a professional environment dominated by men, I encountered challenges that were distinct from those of my male counterparts.
Early on in my career, I worked with someone who held the belief that women should not pursue careers in the legal profession but should instead opt for less tasking jobs that would allow them to focus on their primary responsibilities which is the home front and taking care of the children. I observed a prevailing sentiment that women were deemed too frail for the rigors of the profession. This perception compelled me to work twice as hard as my male colleagues to achieve optimal results. I always endeavored to handle court appearances independently, valuing any chance to manage a matter solo, fully aware that any misstep would be attributed to gender biases. Despite this, I dedicated myself to dispelling such stereotypes from everyone's minds.
Eventually, my efforts led my principal to trust me with more responsibilities, confident in my ability to deliver on any assignment.
Before my tenure at the office, there were two female legal practitioners, one of whom was the head of the chamber at that time. After I joined the firm, flowing from the positive impact we brought to bear in the office, we saw an unprecedented increase in the number of female lawyers, more than ever before.
Reflecting on your career, what legacy do you hope to leave for the generation of women in the legal profession in Nigeria, and what aspirations do you have for the future of inclusivity in the legal system?
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My values are Honesty, Integrity, determination and above all the fear of God. These are the legacies I wish to hand down to the future generation. Work hard at whatever you are doing. If it doesn’t reward you now, keep at it. It will eventually pay off. As the saying goes, delay is not denial.
When it comes to my aspirations do you have for the future of inclusivity in the legal system, sincerely, it is my firm belief that in the legal profession in Nigeria, women are making tremendous strides already. I look forward to a future where there are no dichotomy between the male & female practitioners such as “Gentlemen in skirts”.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments can be challenging. How do you manage this balance, and do you think flexible work policies can contribute to greater inclusivity for women in the profession?
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I owe a great deal to the support I received from my family. Family is everything. Without their help, managing the demands of the profession both effectively and efficiently would not have been possible.
The advent of the virtual workspace which emerged during the Covid-19 outbreak, has introduced a certain level of flexibility for us. However, there is still much to explore in this area.
We should first take full advantage of this new flexibility. Some courts have already begun conducting sessions remotely, marking a significant advancement. However, it is important to remember that Rome was not built in a day.