Aspiring lawyers have been advised to create networks and have mentors to be able to succeed in the fast-changing industry.
Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri said the strength of a lawyer is through the networks they have created and called on those pursuing the profession to get mentors to take them through the profession.
Speaking during a Mount Kenya University (MKU) law alumni and student luncheon in a Nairobi hotel on Monday, Theuri said networking creates opportunities, adding that joining alumni associations helps in introducing young professionals into the industry.
His sentiments were echoed by the National Assembly Chief Whip, Silvanus Osoro, who underscored the need for networks to get jobs and clients.
“Beyond our schooling, there are phases in life where you cannot move alone. You have to network. Your strength as a lawyer is in networking. The practice of law is changing,” said the South Mugirango MP.
He called on the need for a structured mentorship programme for law students in all universities offering law degrees.
Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi called on the lawyers to develop stress management mechanisms, saying many lawyers are draining into stress due to the hard economic times.
Kiraitu, who is also a commissioner at the Kenya Law Review Commission, said that despite law being seen as an elite career, many lawyers are trying to survive just like other professions.
“Many lawyers may be wearing nice suits, but inside they know they are just trying to survive. Things are difficult; life has become frustrating,” he said.
MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi said the university continues to promote access to higher education by establishing campuses and Open, Distance, and e-Learning (ODeL) centres in different parts of Eastern Africa.
In a speech read on his behalf by MKU Deputy VC (Administration, Planning, and Institutional Advancement) Dr. Peter Kirira, the VC said they are leveraging technology in the legal profession to align it with the fast-changing environment.
He said MKU has invested significantly in distance and electronic learning and offers several programmes being offered and examined online.
“The distance and electronic learning for Master of Laws we are launching today will be convenient to many postgraduate students in the legal profession,” he added.
He also urged the former MKU students to mentor the young students.
MKU’s Parklands Law Campus has been in existence for less than 15 years but now has a student population of 1,000 (degrees) and 500 diplomas.
By Charles Muoki
