Lagos State counsel undergo bi-annual practical training

As part of effort to equip lawyers for successful legal practice, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, Mrs. Funlola Odunlami has announced plans to hold Moot Court sessions twice a year for its state counsel.

Odunlami made this known at the second edition of the Moot Court Session held for State Counsel at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Hall, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

In her explanation, she said that a Moot Court, which is a Mock Court in which lawyers argue imaginary cases for practice, will allow the participants to take part in simulated or arbitrary proceedings usually involving drafting memoranda or participating in oral argument.

“It is hoped that you will gain something worthwhile from the Moot Court Competition. But more importantly, l want to enjoin you to see the programme as preparation to be a better state counsel and not just for competition and entertainment alone,” she said.

She also implored the state counsel comprising of legal officers from the state ministry to aspire to be more professional in the discharge of their duties.

The permanent secretary, however, commended the legal officers for putting in so much time and efforts in preparing for the programme, urging them to always pay attention to details, exude confidence when asked questions and also be professionally prepared for unexpected issues raised during court sessions.

Among the issues raised at the Moot Court competition, where the Directorates of Citizens Mediation Centre and Civil Litigation jointly came first were bail application, stay of proceeding, no case submission, plea bargain, jurisdiction, computer generated and prima facie evidences.