Working here
O3 Legal Practitioners is a young firm, and we are candid about what that means. There is no large machine behind you and no department to hand a file to. What there is instead is real work, early: drafting that goes to a client rather than into a partner’s drawer, research that decides how a matter is run, and contact with the people whose problems you are solving.
A lawyer who joins us will see matters from instruction to conclusion rather than owning one paragraph of a transaction. That suits people who want to learn quickly and are willing to be responsible for their own work. It suits people who want a narrow specialism and a long runway rather less.
What we look for
Technical ability matters, but it is the easiest thing to find. What is harder, and what we weigh most heavily, is judgement: knowing which question actually needs answering, and saying plainly when the answer is not what the client hoped.
We also care a great deal about writing. Most of what a commercial lawyer produces is read by someone who is not a lawyer, and a clear letter is worth more to a client than an elegant one.
The qualities that carry weight with us
Clear writing
The ability to explain a difficult position in plain language, to a client who is not a lawyer and has a decision to make.
Commercial judgement
Understanding that legal advice serves a business objective, and that the safest answer is not always the right one.
Thoroughness
Checking the authority rather than remembering it. Reading the whole contract. Noticing the clause nobody asked about.
Candour
Telling a supervising partner early that something has gone wrong, and telling a client honestly what their prospects are.
Discretion
An instinctive understanding of confidentiality and privilege, in and out of the office.
Willingness to be taught
Taking correction on a draft without defensiveness, and applying it to the next one.
Open applications
We do not advertise fixed vacancies. We read every application that reaches us, and we make room for a good lawyer when we find one.
Who should write to us
Legal practitioners called to the Nigerian Bar, at any level of experience, with an interest in corporate and commercial practice, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, banking and financial technology, data protection or employment law.
If your experience lies outside those areas but you believe you would add something to the firm, write anyway and say what it is.
What to send
Three things, to careers@o3legal.com:
- 1
Your CV
Including your year of call and your NBA enrolment position.
- 2
A short covering note
Half a page. Tell us which area of our practice interests you and why. We read this before the CV.
- 3
A writing sample
Two to three pages of your own drafting — an opinion, a submission, a clause you wrote. Redact anything that identifies a client.
NYSC placements and internships
We take a small number of interns and corps members each year, and we take the obligation seriously.
A placement here is not photocopying. You will research points that matter to live matters, sit in on client meetings where the client consents, attend court with counsel, and draft under supervision. Your work will be read, marked and returned to you, which is the part most placements leave out.
Because supervision takes time we keep the numbers low. We would rather take two people properly than six badly.
NYSC placements
For corps members posted to Lagos. Write to us with your call-up letter and your CV as soon as your posting is confirmed.
Bar Part II externship
For students on the Nigerian Law School externship programme. Apply through your school in the usual way and copy us directly.
Long vacation internships
For undergraduate law students, usually four to six weeks over the long vacation. Apply by the end of May for a place that year.
Applying for a placement
Send your CV and a short note saying what you hope to learn to careers@o3legal.com, with the position you are applying for in the subject line. A writing sample is welcome but not expected at this stage.
What happens to your application
We acknowledge every application within five working days. If we would like to take it further you will hear from us within three weeks, and the first conversation is usually a short call rather than a formal interview.
If we cannot offer you anything we will say so rather than leave you waiting. With your permission we keep your details on file for twelve months and come back to you when something opens up.
Your application is confidential. We do not contact a current employer without asking you first, and we handle everything you send us in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
Let’s discuss your legal needs.
Whether you are starting a business, entering into a transaction, dealing with a regulatory issue or facing a dispute, obtaining legal advice early helps you understand your options and manage risk.