The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, has called for a major shift in the structure of legal practice in Nigeria, urging lawyers to move away from founder-driven firms and embrace models that can survive across generations.
Speaking in Abuja at the Convergence Africa Masterclass 26 for Law, themed “Beyond the Founder: Designing Multigenerational Law Firms that Endure and Scale,” Osigwe stressed that the future of the legal profession depends on institutional strength, shared responsibility, and proper succession planning.
He noted that many law firms in Nigeria are built around sole proprietors, making their survival heavily dependent on the health or presence of a single individual. According to him, this approach has limited the continuity, growth, and global competitiveness of indigenous firms.
Osigwe advocated for partnership-based structures where lawyers collaborate, pool resources, and build systems that can function effectively regardless of the founder’s involvement. He explained that such models would not only strengthen firms internally but also attract talent and enhance service delivery.
He emphasised the need for lawyers to adopt business strategies that prioritise long-term sustainability, allowing firms to endure beyond the lifespan of their founders while continuing to deliver value to clients and stakeholders.
Also speaking, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Paul-Haris Ogbole, highlighted that the longevity of law firms is rooted in strong internal systems rather than visibility or publicity. He pointed out that firms must be structured in a way that gives lawyers a sense of belonging and a clear pathway for growth within the organisation.
Ogbole added that deliberate succession planning and a shared vision are critical to ensuring that firms can transition smoothly from one generation to another, maintaining relevance and stability over time.
Both speakers underscored the urgent need for a new approach to legal practice in Nigeria—one that focuses on building enduring institutions rather than short-lived, personality-driven enterprises.
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