By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
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 & Co offices in Abuja, Kaduna and Zaria.
The JB Daudu & Co Mentorship Development Programme Series is powered by the Rule of Law Development Foundation.
According to Daudu, the practice of law is not a tea party, adding that it may be one of the simplest courses to study in the university, but also the most difficult profession to practice in real life, on the field.
He said practitioners usually underwent scrutiny from their peers and the public and were bound to be disciplined, to the point of disbarment when they veered off.
“As modem day legal practitioners, essentially of the Gen-Z, be careful not to allow societal stereotypes to determine who you are and how you practice this age – old profession.
“Many generations, from the medieval ages, have successfully practiced this profession”, he said.
He told them that as legal practitioners, they carried a great burden on behalf of the society.
”You carry the burden of ensuring, even at a risk to your personal comfort and safety, that the society you live in is a just and egalitarian one.
“You are not only a lawyer to the rich elite, you must, and are expected, to fight for and defend the rights of the poor, underprivileged and the downtrodden in your society.
“We are in an era where modern contraptions and inventions such as Artificial Intelligence, countless types of software in the IT world, robotics and many others, compete to offer legal solutions to lawyers.”
He gave an instance of a lawyer who boasted how his chat GPT wrote a brief of argument for him within 20 minutes.”
When he submitted the brief, it was discovered to his embarrassment that the app had loaded him with hypothetical and/or fake judicial precedents.
He further explained that those tools were what in the past, were referred to as ‘handmaids of the law’.
“They were not, and would never, be a substitute for the human intelligence quotient.”
According to him, one cannot take out the humanity in law, or tar one’s cases with the brush of artificial intelligence.
He stated that every case is different, and requires a human touch.
“Your personal skills and individual discretions in the execution of your clients instructions, is paramount and is the key to maintaining the equilibrium of a successful legal practice.
“For every professional act you carry out, financial gain is the least important, what is most paramount is the attainment of law, justice and order, in your society,” Daudu said.
He further gave his opinion on the state of the nation that had to do with the Electoral Act, the proposed amendments and the exercise of the prerogative of mercy by the president, as provided by the constitution.
“While its use has sometimes sparked public debate, the enduring essence of the prerogative of mercy lies in its reminder that justice, though firm, must never be devoid of humanity.
“Legal system is measured not only by its capacity to punish, but also by its ability.
“Ultimately, the true strength of a legal system is measured not only by its capacity to punish, but also by its ability to forgive, when mercy serves the greater good,” Daudu said.
In the same vein former Secretary General NBA, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, called on the externs to comport themselves with dignity in their duties and endeavours.
The Fellow 0f the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators was represented by Adamson Adeboro.
He reminded them that they were constantly under the watch of their senior colleagues in their professional conduct.
Akinboro called on the externs to be determined to succeed, believe in God and continue to study as the profession was dynamic.
Other dignitaries, at the occasion including the coordinator and the externs, expressed admiration for Daudu and appreciated the law firm for granting them the opportunity to serve and to learn.
