My first solo appearance was about 44 days after my call to Bar. It was during my Youth Service programme at Adamawa State. Incidentally, the matter was for adoption of written address.

The judge was benevolent, I told him I was new at the Bar, hence he was kind and guided me throughout the proceedings. So, I think my first solo appearance was good.

It was a relatively good experience because I had a judge who was kind and understanding. I read the file and tried to relate with the judge by making the court to like me. There are some soft kills that a young lawyer can use to help himself in court.


However, while I was in school, I was involved in moot and mock society. I remember the first day I appeared before a judge as a student. As I was presenting my submission, I was having running stomach because of fear. Immediately, I finished I left the court, but the judge asked ‘’where are you going’’. I had to tell him ‘’ my Lord I am under pressure’’ and the whole court burst out laughing.


Femi Daniel – The judge was kind and understanding