Winning battles in court excites me – Akinlawon, SAN

Titilola Akinlawon (SAN), a litigator and founding partner of Lagos-based law firm, Akinlawon & Ajomo, speaks to FAITH AJAYI about her journey in the legal profession You’ve spent decades in the legal profession and attained the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. When you look back at the young girl from Yaba with big dreams, what emotions come to mind today? The first thing that comes to mind is sober gratitude to God that I am here, alive, and successful on all fronts. I have been married for almost 40 years, we are still together, and we have successful children and grandchildren. When I reflect on those days, I remember the dreams we had. Back then, we would see people driving cars while we trekked home from school, even though my parents had cars. We always imagined that one day we would live in fine houses, drive big cars, and achieve great things. Looking back now, it is all about gratitude to God because those dreams eventually became reality. What kind of child were you? I was very daring, outspoken and aggressive. I used to fight boys. I attended an all-girls primary school, but my brothers went to a mixed school. After school, we all met along the road, and because I was tall, I always defended my immediate elder brother, who was very small in stature. I remember taking my father’s belt, hiding it in my bag, and using it to flog boys who tried to bully him. I was a go-getter even then. Once I wanted something done, I pursued it until it was achieved. Was there a defining moment that made you decide to study law? Far from it. I never planned to become a lawyer. After my A-levels, I wanted to study Economics, but because I only had a pass in Mathematics, I could not gain admission into the department. At the time, there were only a few universities, and the next best option available to me at the University of Lagos was Law. So, I simply fell into it. With hindsight, I realise it was probably God’s plan because I do not even enjoy Economics. Whenever people discuss budgets and financial policies, I find it boring. But law is where I feel completely at home. You were called to the Bar in 1981, at a time when the legal profession was still male-dominated. What were some of the subtle battles people never saw behind the scenes? Those battles still exist today. As a woman, you are often marginalised, so you have to prove yourself repeatedly. I remember appearing in court in Kaduna State many years ago. The opposing counsel underestimated me simply because I was a woman. But once I began my presentation, other lawyers in court started ta