The Senior Advocate of Nigeria tag is conferred on select legal practitioners in Nigeria with not less than 10 years’ experience and who have distinguished themselves in the bar. It is like the Queen’s Counsel of the United Kingdom. Some other considerations, such as political, come into play when selecting the recipients. Small wonder the late Gani Fawehinmi had to wait for close to two decades to become a SAN, despite all his outstanding achievements in the legal profession. Gani started practising law in 1965, but recognised as SAN in 2001.
However, before government’s recognition, the fiery lawyer had earned for himself the informal tag of ‘Senior Advocate of the Masses’ from the civil society and many Nigerians who saw him as the people’s lawyer.
Budding senior advocate
Adanma Ode may not be a legal icon, but her measured steps through the legal path are standing her out. She looks good as another SAM after Gani.
The Senior Registrar, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, is a passionate advocate of justice for all.
Career
With a legal career spanning over a decade in the public and private sectors, Ode has garnered experience within the courtrooms and without.
Her legal career started in the chambers of Jim Bada, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division. This was during her one-year National Youth Service Corps assignment. During her time there, she provided administrative assistance and helped in the research that went into writing legal opinions for His Lordship.
In 2007, she joined the chambers of Chuma Oguejifor where she began private practice and advocacy in court. Thereafter, she moved on to Nuworks Limited as the legal and compliance officer. She was responsible for the maintenance of professional ethics and conducts, drafting and implementing of policies, dispensing of legal advice among other duties.
In 2011, she joined Ivory Chambers as an associate. There, she conducted and participated in criminal and civil proceedings in various courts of law. She also, among others, conducted property and real estate transactions.
Hughalles Limited sought her services as business executive in 2013 because of her widely acclaimed expertise. She conceptualised business ideas and executed them on behalf of clients, while also reviewing and drafting contracts.
Motivation
Ode’s passion for the law is her driving force, and the need to see justice delivered to all has spurred her to take on her present role.
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