By Omowunmi Oladokun
Information Communication Technology (ICT) is gradually gaining ground in all aspects of the human society but it is amazing that the legal space is still lagging behind in Nigeria.
Due to the advancement in technology, professionals of different fields like Medicine, Pharmacy and Engineering can now be sought online and engaged in diverse activities.
It is no longer the case that people roam the street searching streets for who to attend to them about there plights and conditions.
A mere click of the computer devices will help us find who and what we want for our services and attention at every point.
Consultation, Research, Questioning and other form of Client communication are now being applied on a wider scale online and in a more private manner in other countries but it saddens to know that Nigeria Legal system has not really being part of this new and progressive means.
The Advanced Countries of the world are making use of application and platforms like “Loio, findlaw, rocket lawyer, ask a USA lawyer online e.t.c.” are gradual ways that these countries are successful manoeuvring there ways and making use of technology in relieving the burdens that may arise from chasing lawyers around for attention.
Based on the above, It is advisable Just like the advanced countries,Online wide search for lawyers I.e the maximum use of technology too just like any other professionals will help:
1. FASTER COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION:
Creating an application or any online platforms that allows people who are in need of legal services to find them online will help create a faster and quicker approaches to the concerned individual on there lingering issues.
It will help to avoid delay of different forms and help quicken the pace of resolving challenges faced by individuals.
2. TRIAL & ERROR:
Everyone likes to have a taste of diversity and probably choose from among the very best. Creating this online platforms will eradicate the non satisfaction that comes from sticking with who you meet first or appears in the time of needs at little or no cost.
It helps Clients in need of Legal services to speak with a large number and try them to finally decide who to stick with in the available ones and based on proximity and location.
3.EXPOSURE TO BETTER OPPORTUNITIES.
It exposes the best lawyers to clients who may need them to resolve there legal concern with immediate effect at little cost based on prior agreements.
It is an opportunity for lawyers to showcase there talent and get noticed and contacted without any physical pressure or pursuit.
However, we must not fail to realise that whatever has advantages may also have side effects:
This may lead to unnecessary rivalry and competitions between lawyers bearing in mind that this will bring many lawyers together and everyone is probably trying to outshine the other in order to get more clients.
Also, getting enough lawyers to participate may be a bit of challenge but strategies may be applied to convince them on why they should be part of it by showing them what an attractive possibility it is.
Nigerian Bar Association has already provided similar platforms but not thoroughly functioning as required of it
In conclusion, as an exception also, we should keep abreast the provision of the Nigerian law whether it supports the idea of advertising on online platforms for consideration, communication and consultation bearing in mind the contents of the Rules of Professional Conducts (RPC) &39 2023 based on Advertising and Soliciting.”
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this rule, a lawyer may engage in any advertising or promotion in connection with his practice of the law, provided it —
(a) is fair and proper in all the circumstances ; and
(b) complies with the provisions of these Rules.
