My internship at the exceptional law firm of Osuntuyi & Tokan-Lawal Law (OTL Law) spanned the month of September 2024: I had just started my break from school and wanted to utilize the holiday in a rewarding way – what better way than to intern as a law student?
The experience was fulfilling and beyond my expectations. I witnessed court proceedings, conducted research on various aspects of law, and attended the Global Creative Legal Summit (GCLS).
It all began on 2 September when I met with Miss Tope Tokan-Lawal, a partner at OTL Law. We discussed the activities I had engaged in while in school, the competitions I had participated in, and the academic knowledge I had acquired. She listened to me patiently and conversed humbly with me and made me comfortable. Through this, she discovered my interests, ran me through her schedule for the month and drafted a weekly plan on engagements I was to participate in. This was truly a wise decision as it made my learning organized and all-encompassing.
In the first week, the focus was on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). I conducted research and prepared reports, which Miss Tope reviewed and provided feedback. Subsequent weeks were with a similar pattern but different topics such as Child Advocacy and Litigation, a core interest of Miss Tope, Jurisdiction and Company law.
On the third week I attended the GCLS at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos. At the event, I was able to listen to brilliant speakers discuss law, its relationship with Creatives and the Entertainment Industry. This sparked an interest in me for intellectual property and entertainment law. I was able to network with lawyers and creatives, meet celebrities and connect with other bright minds. OTL Law was a sponsor to the free legal-aid initiative of the event and this gave me an edge to networking properly. Every hour spent at the event was worthwhile.
It is indeed facts that learning is beyond the four walls of the classroom. The exposure I got in four weeks of interning at OTL Law has not only shown me the realistic procedural part of law but has helped me to define my goals in the legal profession.
I am immensely grateful to Miss Tope, Mr Osuntuyi, and OTL Law for the opportunity given to me to intern and the invaluable knowledge.