Tunde Falola graduated from the University of Ilorin, in 2001. He proceeded to the Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002. He served in the Chambers of Chief Awomolo from 2004 to 2009 before establishing his law firm, Tunde Falona & Co. in Ilorin, Kwara State in 2009. He shares with our JUDICIARY CORRESPONDENT, KAYODE ADEOTI, his most challenging moment in court as a lawyer. Excepts:
The day I can never forget since I’ve been practising could be dated back to when I was a corps member. I started having right of audience in court since that time because I had already been called to bar.
On the fateful day, I had to travel from Osun State, where I was serving to Ondo state in order to handle a criminal matter. I was cross-examining a Fulani man for cross examination and someone was interpreting to him from the official language to Hausa. All of a sudden, the Fulani man became annoyed, I don’t know why. Maybe my questions were much for him. Then he issued a threat to my life. I was scared and frightened by the threat. In fact, I had to change my location and my itinerary just to avoid any form of hostility.
It was equally a great day for me, though of mixed feelings, because I eventually won that case. It was one of the best cases I’ve handled.
How lawyers use words in court
* Lawyers are not “wordy”; They articulate their point.
* Lawyers don’t “find solutions”; They resolve issues.
* Lawyers call themselves lawyers among “lay men”(all other professions and non professionals); They call themselves “Learned Friends” when they are addressing themselves.
* Lawyers don’t “disagree” with each other; They just differ.
* Lawyers don’t “seek help” from court; They seek redress.
