Hey there.
I hope August is treating you well. Make the most of every single minute and second because we just never know what the future holds.
It’s been a while since I wrote something under my ‘Law’ category on the blog and so I decided to host someone on there, to dust of the cobwebs that have developed in that section.
It’s been four years and a few months down the road of law school and finishing (almost), leaves me with a number of answered queries that I decided to have one of the most brilliant lawyers I know, answer them for me. So please do indulge with him as he shrewdly answers them.
Joel is blogger and a commercial lawyer. He is a graduate of Jesus College, University of Oxford where he specialized in corporate finance and international commercial arbitration among others. Outside the law, he is interested in the arts. He dances, writes, draws, performs poetry and attends theatre.
I must say he is many things in a lawyer but of recent, we refer to him as the dancing lawyer, please feel free to pass by his blog and read all about his experiences here http://joelbasoga.blogspot.com/.
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I am excited about featuring on Daniella’s popular blog.
Pointers;
- The average law students dream in first year is to do law in order to change the world and ensure access to justice of all persons, ‘be the voice of the voiceless’, most students say. As a lawyer who’s achieved quite a lot, would you say this dream is valid having had a taste of the Ugandan court system?
That’s a great question which is relevant to all aspiring lawyers and lawyers too. All dreams are valid.
I wouldn’t say that I have achieved a lot, I am still a work in progress. While I have hit some ‘landmarks,’ I am not yet where I hope to be. Nevertheless, I am grateful for what I have achieved so far.
There are many faces to the practice of law, and each of these faces has the capacity to help one change the world. Most students seek to change the world, which in itself is ideal. Access to justice is one of the ways to change the world, by helping vulnerable people or those who cannot ordinarily afford or access legal services. I also think that one can change the world in many other ways like practicing corporate finance law.
For instance, private equity transactions directly provide finances for entrepreneurs, in principle providing a livelihood for entrepreneurs and their families. It could also be through teaching where you help students develop professionally or representing victims of domestic violence. It all depends on one’s perspective.
Change is possible. This could be done within the judicial system or outside it. Within the judicial system, we have witnessed landmark judicial decisions that have established momentous precedents; for instance a right to maternal health while others have declared discriminatory provisions of different laws in Uganda unconstitutional. Outside the courts, one could structure finance agreements that could provide education loans to students, or, one may teach law. All these, are ways of arguably changing the world. Thus, it really depends on what one conceptualizes as changing the world.
Although Ugandan Courts have contributed to our jurisprudence, they could do better. There is case backlog in the Judiciary, which sometimes delays and frustrates justice. Certainly, the delay of justice is an injustice itself. However this should not deter students from their aspirations. The Judiciary is actively solving this, and hopefully case backlog shall become history.
If you have a vision, stick to it. Even though the court system is imperfect, on most occasions it provides solutions, and it is an important tool in the enforcement of rights. Ronald Dworkin (1986) recognizes that, “People often stand to gain or lose more by one judge’s node than they could by a general act of Parliament.” He comments that, the courts took America into a social revolution more profound than any other political institution has or could have begun.
Even in Uganda our courts are crucial to helping achieve justice, as such, those ideas are achievable. However, there are more challenges than meets the eye in law practice: toxic & discriminatory work places, low pay in certain legal markets and case back log, but what then? Should one give up? As Michelle Obama says, “When they go low, we go high.”
All dreams remain valid, and I would urge everyone to pursue their dreams or what they perceive as a meaningful contribution to society. Though, I would caution them to keep an open mind. There is a lot that one can do (change) with a law degree.
2. The bureaucracy and corruption that mars the Ugandan justice system makes it difficult to be an upright lawyer on these streets. What would your advice be to a principled young person who doesn’t want to be swallowed up by the system?
Our courts are not perfect (and so are others in different countries), but on most instances they get things right. In my opinion, one should remain true to their principles. As a Christian, my biblical values urge me not to conform to the standards of this world, therefore, I cannot follow or engage in some acts that would compromise my values. Of course, I recognize that not everyone is a Christian, but whichever belief and value system one has (if at all any), I think that they should respect it, at all times.
Sticking to principles may have practical consequences but it also has its rewards. It may restrict the cases one takes on, or even the speed at which one’s case may be tried. It undoubtedly makes practice difficult, and on a short term basis, it may appear less commercially lucrative. But ultimately, clients and people generally want to deal with persons of integrity, which makes principles important.
I recently read that the United States Government imposed sanctions on two Ugandan judges and lawyers for perpetuating an adoption scandal that split children from their natural parents, by throwing them into the custody of some people in the United States of America (https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/aug/18/uganda-to-us-adoption-scam-judges-and-lawyers-sanctioned). In these cases, it was alleged that there were payments and agreements made for the expedition of the adoption application despite the existence of the natural parents of the children. This should illustrate, the importance of upholding principles and values.
Integrity eventually trumps everything.
- What do you wish you’d been told as a budding lawyer, that you’d like those reading this to know?
First, and at the risk of sounding overly dramatic, I have to say this, keep away from negative people. This is different from criticism. Criticism is positive and helps one to grow professionally. However, negativity can derail growth, especially where the people around you constantly discourage you from taking on certain ventures, or applying for certain opportunities, please, ‘social distance’ from them. Science suggests that our well-being is greatly influenced by the company we keep. Their negative energy can eventually become your reality. Guard your mind and mental health. While there is room for criticism, run away from negativity.
Second, get a mentor. Although, I had the privilege of being mentored, from the first day I stepped into undergraduate law school. Some of my colleagues were not fortunate enough to have mentors. I cannot over emphasize the significance of having a mentor(s). A mentor must be someone who is accessible to you. Some people derive a lot of pride from, ‘name dropping,’ prominent lawyers and judges as their mentors for strategic reasons.
However desirable that may be, the primary concern for mentorship should be that the person is available to advise you on your professional and sometimes personal choices. At the very least they should listen to you, advise on any career transitions (internships, jobs and volunteering opportunities). It is more than just the name of having a “mentor.”
Third, network and foster professional relationships – the margins are always small. The world is a really small space. Attend several professional events and be kind to everyone that you meet. You have nothing to lose by being kind but stand to gain a lot. I remember, while in London, United Kingdom, I got a call from a friend, who I had met at a young leadership training organized by Freidrich Ebert Stifftung. We worked together and developed a good friendship. When we spoke, he asked if he could introduce me to someone, who now, is one of my mentors and business partners. If I had been unkind, he would not have extended his gratitude to me. Just as, if I had not applied for the leadership programme, I would not have met him.
I got my first job the weekend after I completed my last bar exam. This was at a leading newspaper publication company in Uganda. I secured this opportunity because I had met the editor in chief of that company at a certain forum. So, when I finished my last exam, I wrote an email to her telling her about my availability. Just like that, she asked me to start work the following Monday. Had I not ‘networked,’ I would not have gotten that opportunity.
It was through working at that newspaper company, that I met a photographer who was then studying law that advised me( although unsolicited) about joining a certain commercial law firm. I took his advice and two weeks later, I joined one of the fairly large commercial law firms in Kampala. The margins are always small. Be kind to people, network and foster professional relationships.
Lastly, be open minded and give yourself room to learn. There is a feeling of invincibility when one completes their law degree and passes the bar exams. This sometimes translates into some false perception of power, forgetting that law qualifications are just the beginning. The practice of law (and arguably anything in life) is constant learning. If one has been asked to rewrite a legal opinion, other than question the decision, one should seek to understand why they have been required to do so. Learning is cumulative, sometimes it is a combination of successes and failures. We should not create such unrealistic expectations that we know it all, because, quite simply, we do not! No single human does, unless unknown to me, we have taken on a new form as celestial beings.
Connect with me at:
Twitter: @JoelBasoga
Email: [email protected]
My blog: http://joelbasoga.blogspot.com/
Joel Basoga
Thanks, Daniella for featuring me on your “award winning” blog. Of course, I have enjoyed reading my answers.
Khanani Daniella
The pleasure was all mine.
You’re answers hit the jack pot. ☺️
Joel Basoga
Thanks, Daniella for featuring me on your “award winning” blog. Of course, I have enjoyed reading my answers.
Khanani Daniella
The pleasure was all mine.
You’re answers hit the jack pot. ☺️
Syndianar
Reblogged this on Syndia Chemutai.
Khanani Daniella
Thank you for reblogging Syndia. ♥️
Syndianar
Reblogged this on Syndia Chemutai.
Khanani Daniella
Thank you for reblogging Syndia. ♥️
Norah Nabbosa
Thank you so much Daniella for this exclusive interview and thank you Joel for being honest with us. I’m so grateful. This is extremely amazing.👏well done.
Khanani Daniella
You’re welcome Norah.
Thank you for reading. ☺️
Joel Basoga
Thanks, Norah for taking time to read and for these kind words . Glad that this was relevant.
Norah Nabbosa
Thank you so much Daniella for this exclusive interview and thank you Joel for being honest with us. I’m so grateful. This is extremely amazing.👏well done.
Khanani Daniella
You’re welcome Norah.
Thank you for reading. ☺️
Joel Basoga
Thanks, Norah for taking time to read and for these kind words . Glad that this was relevant.
Baluka Hannah Stacey
This piece has made me think about my choices in law school and my life after. Thank you Daniella for hosting Joel and Thanks to Joel for opening my eyes. It was indeed amazing reading…
Khanani Daniella
I’m glad it has Hannah. I’m so glad. ☺️♥️ And you’re welcome. Thank you for passing by.
Joel Basoga
Thanks, Hannah. I am glad that this has opened your eyes and made you think deeply about your choices.
Baluka Hannah Stacey
This piece has made me think about my choices in law school and my life after. Thank you Daniella for hosting Joel and Thanks to Joel for opening my eyes. It was indeed amazing reading…
Khanani Daniella
I’m glad it has Hannah. I’m so glad. ☺️♥️ And you’re welcome. Thank you for passing by.
Joel Basoga
Thanks, Hannah. I am glad that this has opened your eyes and made you think deeply about your choices.
mbnoblin
Great practical information. Over the years I have known you I can say you are one of the most deliberate people I know at being kind, available and resourceful. I have never seen you compromise your integrity even when times are tough. This is why you have a broad international network and a good name. I respect you and your Christian world view that you live out daily in all your decisions. Keep shining a light!
Joel Basoga
Thank you Margaret for these extremely kind words, but most importantly, for the practical mentorship, trainings and CV writing sessions that actually set me on this path. I will keep on striving to be better. Thanks.
mbnoblin
Great practical information. Over the years I have known you I can say you are one of the most deliberate people I know at being kind, available and resourceful. I have never seen you compromise your integrity even when times are tough. This is why you have a broad international network and a good name. I respect you and your Christian world view that you live out daily in all your decisions. Keep shining a light!
Joel Basoga
Thank you Margaret for these extremely kind words, but most importantly, for the practical mentorship, trainings and CV writing sessions that actually set me on this path. I will keep on striving to be better. Thanks.
edgarmugarura
Thank you Daniella for hosting Joel and to Joel for taking the time. Very insightful interview! To all young lawyers like myself, those that have gone ahead of us like Joel are a ‘gold mine’ of knowledge.
Khanani Daniella
Thank you Edgar for passing and it truly was an honor hosting him on here. I’m glad you’ve been able to learn something. ☺️
Joel Basoga
Thanks Edgar. I am glad that you found this insightful. Sharing knowledge and experiences is important.
edgarmugarura
Thank you Daniella for hosting Joel and to Joel for taking the time. Very insightful interview! To all young lawyers like myself, those that have gone ahead of us like Joel are a ‘gold mine’ of knowledge.
Khanani Daniella
Thank you Edgar for passing and it truly was an honor hosting him on here. I’m glad you’ve been able to learn something. ☺️
Joel Basoga
Thanks Edgar. I am glad that you found this insightful. Sharing knowledge and experiences is important.
Jonathan Treacher
I thought Joel Basoga’s gust blog was right on point, to use a legal phrase. Law is a profession, but it is also a business. And the skills one learns as a lawyer will stand one in good stead in all facets of life.
Khanani Daniella
That’s very true about the legal proffesion. Thank you for visiting both Joel’s and my blog.
Joel Basoga
Thanks Jonathan for these kind words . I agree, law is a business .
Jonathan Treacher
I thought Joel Basoga’s gust blog was right on point, to use a legal phrase. Law is a profession, but it is also a business. And the skills one learns as a lawyer will stand one in good stead in all facets of life.
Khanani Daniella
That’s very true about the legal proffesion. Thank you for visiting both Joel’s and my blog.
Joel Basoga
Thanks Jonathan for these kind words . I agree, law is a business .
Atwine M Tayebwa
This is really beautiful and quite informative.
Thank you so much Daniella, for this opportunity to get such insight and wisdom. Thanks Joel Basoga for sharing your experiences with us. Blessings
Khanani Daniella
Thank you for making time to read Tayebwa. I’m glad Joel was able to dispatch some of his infinite wisdom here.
Joel Basoga
Thanks Atwine. I am glad that this was informative.
Atwine M Tayebwa
This is really beautiful and quite informative.
Thank you so much Daniella, for this opportunity to get such insight and wisdom. Thanks Joel Basoga for sharing your experiences with us. Blessings
Khanani Daniella
Thank you for making time to read Tayebwa. I’m glad Joel was able to dispatch some of his infinite wisdom here.
Joel Basoga
Thanks Atwine. I am glad that this was informative.
Elton Byamukama
“Be kind to people…” thanks Joel for this golden nugget. I also appreciate your desire to make the world a better place for us, and this simple gesture of sharing your experience to all mankind is an incredible stroll in the direction of your Chief desire. God bless you joel. God bless you Daniella.
Khanani Daniella
Thank you Elton. It surely is important to share our experiences. ☺️
Bless you too.
Joel Basoga
Thanks Elton, for these kind words. I am glad that this was enlightening. God bless you too. Thanks for taking time to read.
Elton Byamukama
“Be kind to people…” thanks Joel for this golden nugget. I also appreciate your desire to make the world a better place for us, and this simple gesture of sharing your experience to all mankind is an incredible stroll in the direction of your Chief desire. God bless you joel. God bless you Daniella.
Khanani Daniella
Thank you Elton. It surely is important to share our experiences. ☺️
Bless you too.
Joel Basoga
Thanks Elton, for these kind words. I am glad that this was enlightening. God bless you too. Thanks for taking time to read.
Ahabwe Peter
Thank you so Daniella for hosting Joel. Joel continues to inspire just as he did when I met him in Law School. Thank you so much for sharing those undoubtedly great insights. I enjoyed reading through.
Stay Blessed!
Khanani Daniella
Thank you for making time to read Peter. Joel surely is a force to reckon with, I can’t deny.
Joel Basoga
Your Excellency, that is very kind of you to say. I am happy that you found it insightful. Thanks, Peter. God bless you too.
Ahabwe Peter
Thank you so Daniella for hosting Joel. Joel continues to inspire just as he did when I met him in Law School. Thank you so much for sharing those undoubtedly great insights. I enjoyed reading through.
Stay Blessed!
Khanani Daniella
Thank you for making time to read Peter. Joel surely is a force to reckon with, I can’t deny.
Joel Basoga
Your Excellency, that is very kind of you to say. I am happy that you found it insightful. Thanks, Peter. God bless you too.
Kato Mpanga
Thank you Daniella for hosting Joel!
My key lesson from this blog post are:
(i) Networking and being kind to people.
(ii) Being open minded and willing to learn.
Thanks indeed for adding value to the readers!
Khanani Daniella
Thank you Kato reading and picking up some lessons for the road.
There surely is alot to learn. And it’s all my pleasure ☺️
Joel Basoga
Thanks, Mr Kato. Yes, networking and keeping an open mind is crucial. Thanks for taking time to read.
Kato Mpanga
Thank you Daniella for hosting Joel!
My key lesson from this blog post are:
(i) Networking and being kind to people.
(ii) Being open minded and willing to learn.
Thanks indeed for adding value to the readers!
Khanani Daniella
Thank you Kato reading and picking up some lessons for the road.
There surely is alot to learn. And it’s all my pleasure ☺️
Joel Basoga
Thanks, Mr Kato. Yes, networking and keeping an open mind is crucial. Thanks for taking time to read.
Lucille
“We should not create such unrealistic expectations that we know it all, because, quite simply, we do not! No single human does, unless unknown to me, we have taken on a new form as celestial beings….“ As a young lawyer, I have to keep on reminding myself of this, everyday.
Khanani Daniella
Very true. Thank you for reading Lucille.
Joel Basoga
Thanks, Lucille. I glad that there were some practical lessons. Thanks for taking the time to read.
Lucille
“We should not create such unrealistic expectations that we know it all, because, quite simply, we do not! No single human does, unless unknown to me, we have taken on a new form as celestial beings….“ As a young lawyer, I have to keep on reminding myself of this, everyday.
Khanani Daniella
Very true. Thank you for reading Lucille.
Joel Basoga
Thanks, Lucille. I glad that there were some practical lessons. Thanks for taking the time to read.
Biggie's Big Blogs
My Oxford lawyer Joeeeeellll my my my💥💥💥💥💥 Greatness awaits!
Joel Basoga
Haha! Thanks Biggie for these kind words.
Biggie's Big Blogs
My Oxford lawyer Joeeeeellll my my my💥💥💥💥💥 Greatness awaits!
Joel Basoga
Haha! Thanks Biggie for these kind words.