A legal practitioner and Principal Partner at B.F.A & Co. Legal, Bobo Ajudua, has called on lawyers to engage in pro bono services even though they are in business to make money.
Ajudua said this in a statement he made available to the press through his media team on Thursday.
According to him, pro bono means professional work or services provided without charge or at a reduced fee, typically for charitable, educational, or community-based organisations.
In the context of law, Ajudua maintained that pro bono work is often performed by experienced practitioners who want to give back to their community or support a worthy cause by providing free legal services to those who cannot afford them, saying that it occurs in other professions.
Advocating for the critical role of pro bono service and the cultivation of enduring client relationships during the recent Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference, Ajudua, a practitioner in Entertainment Law, shared his personal journey and offered valuable insights into the legal profession.
He emphasised that while pro bono work may not always yield immediate financial rewards, it serves as a powerful platform for professional growth, networking, and making a tangible impact on society.
He described pro bono as an investment, the return of which he said may come at an unexpected time.
“Pro bono service is more than just a moral obligation, it is an investment in your own professional development, a means of building a strong reputation, and a way to contribute meaningfully to the legal community,” he asserted.
Ajudua advised his colleagues to inculcate the habit rendering of pro bono services, especially for the less privileged and victims of various abuses in society who may not be able to pay for legal services.
Ajudua also highlighted the importance of fostering deep and enduring relationships with clients.
He emphasised that effective legal representation extends beyond providing sound legal advice, it involves empathetic listening, understanding clients’ unique needs, and offering comprehensive guidance.
By cultivating trust and loyalty, he maintained that lawyers can establish long-lasting partnerships that benefit both themselves and their clients.
