Abuja: A renowned legal luminary, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), has advised legal practitioners across the nation against relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and allowing societal stereotypes to dictate their professional judgment. The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) gave the advice at a send-forth ceremony in honour of the 42nd Set of Externs in Abuja. The externs are from the Nigerian Law School on attachment with the law firm of JB Daudu and Co offices in Abuja, Kaduna, and Zaria. The JB Daudu and Co Mentorship Development Programme Series is powered by the Rule of Law Development Foundation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Daudu emphasized that the practice of law, though simple to study in university, is among the most challenging professions in real life. He warned practitioners about the scrutiny from peers and the public, pointing out the possibility of discipline, including disbarment, for those who deviate. He urged Gen-Z legal practitioners to resist societal stereotypes in their practice and highlighted the historical success of previous generations in law.
Daudu stressed the importance of the lawyer’s role in society, advocating for justice and equality, not just for the elite but also for the underprivileged. He cautioned against over-reliance on modern technologies like AI, sharing an anecdote about a lawyer embarrassed by AI-generated legal arguments filled with hypothetical precedents. Daudu asserted that technology should complement, not replace, human intelligence in legal practice.
He further elaborated on the humanity inherent in law, emphasizing personal skills and discretion in legal practice. He discussed the importance of justice and order over financial gain and touched upon national issues like the electoral act and presidential prerogative of mercy, advocating for a balance of justice and humanity.
In a similar sentiment, former NBA Secretary General Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, represented by Adamson Akinboro, advised externs to maintain professionalism and continuous learning due to the dynamic nature of the legal field. Other dignitaries at the event expressed admiration for Daudu and gratitude towards the law firm for the externship opportunity.