The Chief Executive Officer of ESQ Legal Practice Magazine, the organisers of the Nigerian Legal Awards (NLA), Lere Fashola has declared that the award serves as a catalyst for promoting excellence and professionalism within the legal profession.
By recognising and celebrating outstanding achievements, these awards, he said, inspire legal practitioners to continually strive for greatness and uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Announcing plans for this year’s award in Lagos at the weekend, he stated that it provides a platform for law firms and legal departments to showcase their expertise and leadership in various practice areas, fostering healthy competition and driving innovation across the industry.
“As we prepare to honour the recipients of the Nigerian Legal Awards 2024, we reaffirm our commitment to celebrating excellence and advancing the collective interests of the Nigerian legal community,” he said, adding that it will happen on July 7, 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.
On its impact on the legal community, he stated that by showcasing the achievements of Nigerian legal professionals on a prestigious platform, the awards elevate the profile of the Nigerian legal industry on the global stage.
His words: “Moreover, the awards provide valuable networking opportunities, bringing together legal practitioners, corporate executives, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and advance the collective interests of the legal community.
“Over the years, the 40 Under 40 category of the award has spotlighted some outstanding rising stars and emerging leaders who are leading some of the largest law firms today or General Counsel of some of the leading companies in Nigeria.”
According to him, the selection process is conducted with the utmost impartiality, ensuring that nominees are judged solely based on the merits of their submissions.
“The judging panel meticulously evaluates each submission, focusing on specific achievements and their tangible impacts on clients’ businesses.
“Submissions are expected to succinctly articulate the merits of the legal services provided and how they align with commercial realities, demonstrating a clear understanding of the client’s needs and objectives.
“The judging panel for the Nigerian Legal Awards comprises esteemed legal professionals with vast experience and expertise. These individuals, many of whom are heads of African Practice Groups in major international law firms or CEOs of prominent companies, bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the evaluation process,” he stated.
The awards, he said, will take place in four categories.
They are practice-based awards for law firms; Corporate in-house lawyers in companies; rising stars: 40 under 40 who will shape the future of the legal profession in Nigeria and editor’s merit awards to outstanding legal Icons.
“The Nigerian Legal Awards, now in its 13th edition, represents a beacon of excellence within the Nigerian legal landscape.
“These awards celebrate the pivotal role of lawyers as catalysts for economic prosperity and societal development. They serve as a platform for spotlighting exceptional achievements, innovation, and unwavering dedication within the legal profession,” Fashola stressed.
