‘Lawyers must be creative problem-solvers, tech enthusiasts, ethical’

July 29, 2025 by Udeh Onyebuchi

The seventh edition of The Business of Law Conference dwelled on the need for legal professionals to be future-ready and embrace innovation and strong work ethics, reports UDEH ONYEBUCHI

Legal professionals gathered in Lagos to explore how they must evolve to thrive in a changing world.

Discussions at the highly anticipated seventh edition of The Business of Law Conference (TBOLC) centred on how lawyers can blend creativity, tech-savviness, and ethical strength.

The event, during which the ed-tech, Lawdemy, was launched, celebrated innovation and inspired lawyers to become solution-driven, future-ready professionals in today’s business-legal ecosystem.

Strictly Law Business, the leading promoter of the business of law thought leadership and the premier business development and training company dedicated to raising profitable lawyers and law firms, was the brain behind the conference.

Held on July 15 at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, over 300 legal professionals participated both in-person and online across Nigeria and beyond to discuss an important topic in light of today’s dynamic business and legal landscape.

The annual event brought together Nigeria’s leading legal practitioners, firm leaders, young lawyers, and aspiring lawyers to dissect the theme: “The future lawyer: creative problem solver, strong work ethic, innovative and tech enthusiast.”

This timely theme underscored the urgent need for lawyers to combine legal expertise with creativity, innovation, technological adoption, and excellent work ethics to remain competitive in an evolving global business and legal landscape.

While welcoming delegates to the conference, the convener, Olubusola Ajala, shared about the journey that has led to the seventh edition of the audacious conference.

Read Also: Guinness Nigeria returns to profitability

She said it has been a journey of “doing it afraid” and charged the delegates to draw inspiration from her story in the pursuit of their respective goals and aspirations.

With a carefully curated agenda, TBOLC 7.0 featured a keynote address and engaging panel sessions that offered fresh insights and perspectives on who and what the future lawyer should embody.

Esteemed keynote speaker and panellists included Mrs. Folashade Alli (SAN), Fidelis Adewole (Managing Partner, G. Elias), Oyindolapo Olusesi (Lead, Legal Services and Data Protection Officer, Kora), and Seun Timi-Koleolu (Founding Partner, Pavestones Legal).

Others were Lanre Basamta (CEO/Co-founder, Optimus AI Lab), Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya (Partner, ALP Nigeria), Mr. Bisi Makanjuola (immediate-past Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch), Mr. Kunle Ajagbe (Partner, Aidan Partners), Fehintoluwa Ajayi (Associate, Bloomfield LP), among others.

Participants, from young lawyers to senior partners, described the conference as a timely wake-up call and a practical guide to thriving in modern legal practice.

Key discussions included the importance of creativity in legal service delivery, especially in an era defined by technological advancement.

Emphasising this, Oyindolapo Olusesi said: “Clients no longer expect lawyers to regurgitate what the law states, most especially when they can easily ask AI.

“What they need is how you can utilise your legal expertise in creating a solution to their business and financial needs”.

Adding to this, Lanre Basamta noted: “The fundamental skill required of any legal professional is context and reasoning”.

Other discussions also included dialogues on legal tech, strong work ethic, legal education curriculum, and the role of innovation in service delivery.

At the event, Strictly Law Business also launched Lawdemy, a revolutionary ed-tech committed to driving legal excellence for both legal professionals and business owners in Africa.

Built at the intersection of law, business, and technology, Lawdemy democratises access to practical, relevant, and future-forward legal knowledge.

The conference date, which doubled as the convener’s birthday, had several activities designed to leave a memorable impact on the conference delegates.

As the conference came to an end, Ajala expressed gratitude to sponsors, donors, speakers, panellists, and delegates for making the event impactful.

Since its inception, The Business of Law Conference has become a signature platform for the convergence of knowledge, networking, and inspiration, empowering lawyers and law firms to excel in their legal practices. And for seven years, it has consistently delivered unparalleled value within the Nigerian legal community.

Strictly Law Business (SLB) is a business development and training company dedicated to helping lawyers and law firms grow profitable law practices.

Through conferences, trainings, and lawyers’ development programmes, SLB continues to drive the conversation around the business of law in Nigeria.