Inside the Halls of Olaniwun Ajayi LP
POV: Interning at Nigeria's largest law firm
Olaniwun Ajayi LP (OALP) claims to be Nigeria's largest law firm. In this article, we give you a glimpse into the prestigious firm through the eyes of a 500-Level UNILAG law student, who graced the halls of OALP for a few weeks as an undergraduate intern.
Hello, Nmesoma. Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi! My name is Nmesoma Nwosu, a 500-level law student at the University of Lagos. I recently developed an interest in Financial Technology and Intellectual Property. Aside from my academics, I love singing and watching movies.
What differentiates Olaniwun Ajayi from other law firms?
Hmm! This is a very interesting question. TBH, Olaniwun Ajayi was my first internship, so I would not really be able to differentiate it from other law firms. But one thing I can tell you is that if you are looking for a place to grow, apply yourself, and be excellent at what you do, then OALP is the place to be.
OALP is Nigeria's largest law firm. What made your application stand out in the sea of applications?
My application to Olaniwun Ajayi was via a link the firm had provided when they called for applications. I had filled in the relevant details (like your level, CGPA, etc.) and made a video on why I should be selected.
In the video, I stated my interests in certain areas of law and how my interests clearly align with those of the firm. I believe having a good CGPA, along with a well put-together application, helps you stand out.
How did you feel on your first day?
I felt really excited and scared at the same time. I did not know what to expect. However, on the first day, the interns were directed to the Peach Room on the 8th floor. When I got to the room, I felt like I was a member of the board of directors. It gave that kind of vibe.
To cut the long story short, the first day was just an introduction to the firm, the platform we would be using for our tasks and so on. Nothing too deep.
But….I got an email for my first task from my first Business Unit (which was Technology, Innovation and Fintech). I remember my heart skipped a beat, and I was supposed to submit the task by 11:59 pm that same day. Despite the fear I had, I was still able to submit the task on that day.
Could you describe a typical day in the life of an intern at Olaniwun?
Well, work starts at 9 am. So, I get to the office before 9. Then I log into the VIBE Platform (this was the platform where our daily tasks were uploaded) to see the resources and tasks assigned to me on that day. After scanning through the case study for the day, I would then read through the resources or reading materials for that day.
After that, I would go on to do a bit of research to understand the topics better. Then, I go on to work on the case studies assigned to me.
The case studies usually take some hours to answer, because you have to do a lot of thinking and research. Then, when it’s afternoon, we are called to get our lunch for the day, then we go to the cafeteria to eat. After that, you can decide to chill for a bit before going back to your desk. For me, I just eat and go back to work (this does not mean I did not interact with people…I did). Then I work and work. Around 5:30, I start packing up my stuff to leave. Once it’s 6:00 pm, I’m out.
How many days of the week were you expected to be physically present at the office?
This depends on the Business Unit you are assigned to. Sometimes 3 times a week, sometimes 2 times a week. I craved for that 2 times a week (don’t judge me, biko).
Were you assigned real-life tasks or only student-related work?
It was more of student-related work. However, the case studies were sometimes real-life scenarios. However, when I was in the TIF business unit, a Senior Associate asked my partner and I to research emerging trends in the technology industry.
Did you have the opportunity to build connections and interact with the members of staff?
To some extent, yes. But I would like to share a piece of advice that a Partner at the Dispute Resolution Practice Team gave to me. He said, “asides working on the tasks given to you, build relationships. It is those relationships that can help you in the future.” Do what you would with that piece of advice.
What inspiring or memorable moments can you share from your internship?
I would say, my presentation at the Dispute Resolution Team. Prior to the presentation, I was scared to my bones. I had been to other presentations in the firm, and I saw how they asked questions. However, God helped me, and when I started speaking, the fear vanished.
What would you consider your favourite part of the program?
The food (just joking). I would say, working on the tasks, because each day I worked on a task, I had to learn something new.
Did you have to submit a report or make an internship presentation at the end of the program?
A day before the end of the internship, I was asked to create a report on the things I did during my three-week stay at the firm. But it wasn’t anything formal. A format was sent to us on WhatsApp, and then we filled in the different things we did during our stay in each Business Unit.
Was there any remuneration?
Well, before we applied, it was already stated that it was an unpaid internship. However, there was a provision for lunch whenever we worked at the office.
For students considering similar opportunities, what advice or insights can you offer?
Don’t give up. Keep trying to apply to these firms. I had applied last year and was not selected. But I did not let that stop me from applying this year. I would also say, try to be intentional about your grades, because they look at these things. Also, build relationships and network when you eventually find yourself in these kinds of places. Also, apply yourself and don’t be shy to put yourself out there. And lastly, put God first. E get why.
Can we connect with you on social media?
IG: mimi _ nwosu
LinkedIn: Nmesoma Nwosu
Thank you for reading!
Did you enjoy? Kindly share, like, comment, and subscribe.
Look out for our next story!