Monday, January 28, 2013
Saturday, October 27, 2012
The NLA answers the Court's call to provide Pro Bono Assistance for Uncontested Divorces
Towards the goal of facilitating law and justice in our communities and assisting the Court's efforts to reduce an extensive backlog, the Nigerian Lawyers Association joins seven minority bar associations to provide pro bono support to low and moderate income people seeking assistance with filing uncontested divorces. I would like to extend special thanks to Judge Fern Fisher, the state deputy chief administrative judge, for establishing this initiative. In addition, special thanks to MBBA President Nadine Fontaine for taking the lead in initiating collaboration among the various bar associations.
In
the words of Woodrow T. Wilson, "there is no higher religion than human
service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed". We look forward to the NLA and its members taking part in this
important initiative. Training for attorneys and law students will begin
in November. More information will follow shortly.
See link below for coverage in the New York Law Journal:
http://www.newyorklawjournal.com/PubArticleNY.jsp?id=1202576544583&Courts_to_Enlist_Pro_Bono_Help_for_Divorces&slreturn=20120927142345All the best,
Yomi
Abayomi Ajaiyeoba
President, Nigerian
Lawyers Association
305 Broadway, 14th Fl
NY, NY 10007
(212) 323-7408
(212) 323-7409 (fax)
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the_nla
Join us on Facebook or
LinkedIn: Nigerian Lawyers Association
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Department of State Coordinates with Bar Associations to Provide Free Legal Clinics for Youth Eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Oct. 18, 2012
Contact:
518-486-9846
Twitter: @NYSDOS
Hashtag: #NYSNewAmericans
Department
of State Coordinates with Bar Associations to Provide Free Legal Clinics for
Youth Eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
The New York Department of State announced today a series of
free legal assistance events to benefit immigrant youth eligible for the new federal
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process. The Department of State’s
Bar Association partners are preparing their attorneys to staff DACA legal
assistance events using a specialized training video produced with the assistance
of New York Law School and the New York Immigration Coalition. The lawyers’
training initiative and the free legal clinics are part of the State’s
comprehensive program to ensure that New York’s eligible youth take full
advantage of new federal immigration rules without being exploited by scammers.
Estimates of the number of New York youth eligible for DACA
range from 40,000 to 80,000, but statistics released on Friday by the United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services show that less than 6,700 New
Yorkers have applied for DACA. Thousands of youth are still seeking guidance
and support as they navigate the DACA process.
“New York State is the only state government in the nation
with a comprehensive plan to ensure eligible youth in New York can take full
advantage of this federal immigration program, while protecting them from
fraud,” said New York Secretary of State Cesar A. Perales. “By energizing
private attorneys to provide free legal representation, the State is dramatically
expanding access to counsel for thousands of young people interested in DACA but
unable to afford an attorney.”
“New York’s DACA program represents the legal profession and
the New York legal community at its best. Attorneys and Bar Associations from
all ethnic stripes coming together for one common purpose – to provide pro bono
services to young immigrant adults – Americans in every sense of the word –
that ensures that they can emerge from the shadows and realize their dreams of
going to college and getting a job.,” said Fernando A. Bohorquez, Jr., Baker
Hostetler, Deputy Regional President Hispanic National Bar Association.
Upcoming free legal clinics supported by the Department of
State include:
Talesca Center for Justice
1 West Main Street, 5th Floor
Rochester, New York
Saturday, October 20th
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building
163 West 125th Street
New York City
Saturday, October 20th
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm
A full listing of upcoming lawyer trainings and free legal
consultation events are available at www.nysdeferredaction.ny.gov. Information and referrals also are available through the
New York State New Americans Hotline at: 1-800-566-7636.
Bar
Associations and community-based organizations participating in this effort
include: New York City Bar Association, New York Law School, New York Immigration
Coalition, Monroe County Bar Association, New York Youth Leadership Council,
Legal Aid Society of Rochester New York, Volunteer Legal Services Project of
Monroe County, Bronx YMCA New Americans Welcome Center, African Services
Committee, CitizenshipNow!, and the New York City branches of the American
Constitution Society, Asian American Bar Association, Dominican Bar
Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, Metropolitan Black Bar
Association, Nigerian Lawyers Association, and Puerto Rican Bar Association.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Nigerian Lawyers Association's 13th Annual Awards Dinner Honoring Hauwa Ibrahim and Femi Falana (SAN)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK. August 20, 2012. The Nigerian Lawyers Association ("NLA") will hold its Annual Award Dinner on October 13, 2012 at
the Broad Street Ball room, located at 41 Broad Street New York, New
York. The event will begin at 6pm with a cocktail hour and will be
followed by a sit down dinner (featuring Nigerian cuisine), live
entertainment and an award ceremony.
Commenting
on this year's Award Dinner, President of the NLA, Yomi Ajaiyeoba,
Esq., said, "in line with the NLA's prior dinners, we are looking
forward to honoring two distinguished and deserving honorees who
continue to make significant impact in promoting law and justice in the
global community. We will also celebrate the NLA's continued
achievements, bringing together our members as well as the community at
large while recognizing those individuals who have consistently
demonstrated unwavering commitment to the vision and mission of the NLA.
The NLA will present its third set of scholarships to deserving law
students.
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2012 NLA
 MERIT AWARD RECIPIENT - HAUWA IBRAHIM
The NLA
Merit Award honors a distinguished individual that has made inspiring
professional or public service contributions that have significantly
impacted a community, a nation or the world.
Hauwa
Ibrahim is a senior partner at Aries Law Firm. Working as a lead
attorney with a team devoted to the cause of human rights for women in
Nigeria, she has won a number of precedent-setting cases before Islamic
Shariah courts. Ms. Ibrahim has been a Visiting Professor at Saint Louis
University School of Law and Stone hill College, a Radcliffe Fellow, a
World Fellow at Yale University, and a Fellow at both the Human Rights
Program and the Islamic Legal Studies Program at Harvard University. She
is currently a Visiting Lecturer at Harvard University.
Ms.
Ibrahim adopted an interdisciplinary approach to examine how
theoretical foundations of Shariah law have influenced legal practice,
practice that has, in turn, affected the human rights of women in West
Africa. Her research led to a book manuscript, "Practicing Law in
Shariah Courts: Seven Strategies," which is currently under review with
the American Bar Association for publication.
The
European Parliament presented Ms. Ibrahim with its 2005 Sakharov Prize
for Freedom of Thought, which honors individuals or organizations for
their efforts on behalf of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Ms.
Ibrahim earned her Bachelor of Laws and Letters (LL.B) and a Master's in International law & Diplomacy from the University of Jos in Nigeria; a Bachelor of Law (BL) for legal practice from Nigeria Law School; and a Master's
of law degree in International studies at American University's
Washington College of Law. In addition, she has been awarded three
honorary doctorates, as well as the Cavaliere Award, the highest Human
Rights award from the Italian government.
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2012 NLA LAW AND JUSTICE AWARD RECIPIENT - FEMI FALANA, SAN
In line with our
core objectives, the 'Law and Justice Award' recognizes a lawyer of
Nigerian descent who has demonstrated significant commitment to, and has
made outstanding contributions towards, the advancement of legal
education, legal jurisprudence and administration of justice, legal
reform, public interest law, the legal profession or the legal system in
Nigeria or the United States.
Mr.
Falana was recently conferred the prestigious Senior Advocate of
Nigeria title. He is a renowned human rights activist lawyer. Mr. Falana
started his human rights activism during his University days at Obafemi
Awolowo University, where he was part of the campaign for democracy in
Nigerian Universities that formed the National Association of Nigerian
Students. Mr. Falana
formerly served as President of the West Africa Bar Association (WABA),
and Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Lawyers. As
president of WABA, he amended the protocols establishing the Court of
Justice for Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) which
allows individuals to have access to justice when their rights
have been infringed upon.
Mr. Falana has handled
high profile cases including, but not limited to, serving as counsel in
the landmark judgment for Media Foundation for West Africa.
Mr. Falana has several
publications, namely "Legal and Policy Frame Work of Occupation Health
and Safety in Nigeria" in the book Working in Danger; "Anti Labour
Legislation in Nigerian Labour Rights"; "Murder, Plain Murder in Ken
Saro-Wiwa and the Crisis of the Niger Delta" and "Fawehinmi verses
Abacha: Where the Court of Appeal erred in social justice".
Mr. Falana is the
recipient of national and international awards, including, the Gani
Fawehinmi Life Time Award in (2011) from Hallmarks of Labour Foundation;
Dr. Nkrumah Leadership Award in (2003), and Bernard Simon Memorial
Award for the Advancement of Human Rights in (2003); Defender of the
Year Award from the International League for Human Rights in (2000); The
Ogoni Merit Award in (2002); International Human Rights Award from the
American Bar Association Award in (1996).
Mr. Falana is a member of
numerous legal associations. These includes: The Nigerian Bar
Association, African Bar Association, Pan African Lawyers Union, and an
honorary member of the American Bar Association.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER - GEORGE ETOMI
George Etomi is a Principal Partner of George Etomi & Partners. His practice areas includes telecommunications,
natural resources, energy, commercial transactions, arbitrations, and
aviation. He represents clients under a variety of corporate and
commercial matters, including public and private offerings. He has
worked closely with a number of multinational companies to mediate
disputes with indigenous peoples. He is also a member of Center of
Petroleum Law Research (C.P.L.R.).
He represents clients in
the Global System for Mobile (GSM) service and was recently involvedin
the privatization of Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), in
addition to playing an active role in implementing the first telephone
service in the Nigeria. He provides policy advice and, legislative
drafting to the National Assembly on the proposed telecommunications law
in Nigeria.
Mr. Etomi is the first and
past chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Section of Business Law.
The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies recently named the
George Etomi Centre for Strategic Investment and Corporate Governance in
his honor. Mr. Etomi is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association,
International Bar Association, a committee member of the United Nations
and a Fellow of Center for International Legal Studies.
About the Nigerian Lawyers Association
The Nigerian Lawyers Association (NLA) is an association of attorneys based in the United States. The NLA is active in cultivating the science of jurisprudence and facilitating the administration of justice in the United States and Nigeria. In addition, the NLA serves the needs of members of the Nigerian legal community, as well as the Nigerian community as a whole, in their understanding of, and access to the law. The NLA's membership is open to both attorneys of Nigerian descent and attorneys who have a professional or other interest in Nigeria.
The NLA also promotes legal education and professional development in the law. Among other events and activities, the NLA holds periodic continuing legal education seminars for lawyers and conducts free legal clinics within the Nigerian community to assist individuals with various legal issues. The NLA was awarded the 2011 New York State Bar Association's Bar Leadership Innovation Award for its pro bono Legal Clinics.
For further information about the NLA, please visit: www.nigerianlawyers.org
NLA LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Oliver Mbamara - Chair Abayomi Ajaiyeoba President
Jennifer Ajah Chinyelu Udoh Vice President
Chisom Ananaba Nneka Udoh Secretary
Ifeoma Anekwe Mojoyi Onijala Treasurer
Folake Ayoola Henry Ukazu Public Relation Officer
Obayemi Olumide Parliamentarian
FOR TICKETS OR OTHER INFORMATION:
CLICK HERE or contact
Shakera Shahid (914) 720 7281; Yomi Ajaiyeoba (917) 755 -5886
Oliver Mbamara (718) 617- 6077; or Henry Ukazu (646) 399 - 4443
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Friday, August 10, 2012
The Nigerian Lawyers Association is Now Accepting Applications for its Scholarship Program. Law Students and Recent Graduates are welcome to apply
New York, New York. July 29, 2012
The Nigerian Lawyers Association (NLA), an association of attorneys of Nigerian-descent based in the United States, is pleased to announce its third official Scholarship Program for students enrolled in ABA- or AALS-accredited law schools. A category of the scholarship may be applied towards a student’s bar preparation course or further legal studies in either an LLM or LLB program.
Commenting on the announcement, Yomi Ajaiyeoba, Esq., NLA President, said “The current economic climate continues to pose financial challenges to law students and recent law graduates in the pursuit of their legal education and careers. In continuing with the tradition established last year, NLA will award three scholarships this year in furtherance of our mission, to among other things, foster the study of law and the professional development of Nigerian students and lawyers. We are pleased to play a role towards helping law students and recent graduates achieve their academic objectives and strongly encourage students who qualify to apply.”
ABOUT THE NLA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
We will award a total of $5,000 to three deserving law students and recent law graduates.
Students enrolled in a JD and/or LLM program in an ABA- or AALS-accredited law school, recent LLB graduates from any jurisdiction and recent law graduates sitting for their first bar examination in any U.S. jurisdiction are eligible to apply. Interested candidates that can demonstrate a commitment to and interest in pro bono and/or public interest legal work in the Nigerian community are also strongly encouraged to apply.
For a scholarship application, please visit: http://www.nigerianlawyers.org/TheNLAScholarshipProgramApplication.pdf or for more information, email: scholarship@nigerianlawyers.org.
Applications are available online on the NLA website at www.nigerianlawyers.org and may be sent via postal or electronic mail. Applications, including letters of recommendation, must be postmarked or received by Thursday, August 30, 2012. Applications sent by postal mail may be sent to:
Nigerian Lawyers Association
305 Broadway, 14th Floor
New York, New York 10007
Applications sent by electronic mail may be sent to: scholarship@nigerianlawyers.org.
Successful candidates will be notified of their selection in September. The scholarship award presentation shall be held at the NLA Annual Dinner scheduled for October 13, 2012.
ABOUT THE NLA
The NLA is an association of attorneys of Nigerian-descent based in the United States. The NLA has been active in cultivating the science of jurisprudence and facilitating the administration of justice in the United States and in Nigeria. In addition, the NLA serves the needs of its members, as well as the Nigerian community as a whole, by providing leadership and advocacy for their legal needs and interests. The NLA also promotes legal education and professional development in the law while also advancing the professional needs of its members. The NLA holds periodic continuing legal education seminars for lawyers and conducts free legal clinics within local communities to assist individuals with various legal issues.
For more information on the scholarship, please contact the Scholarship Committee at scholarship@nigerianlawyers.org or visit the NLA website at www.nigerianlawyers.org.
The Nigerian Lawyers Association Selected as a 2011 Awardee of the Bar Leader Innovation Award
New York, New York. Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Nigerian Lawyers Association ("NLA") has the distinct honor and privilege of having been selected as the winner of the 2011 Bar Leaders Innovation Award for Small Bars in New York State, as nominated by Kathryn Salensky, Vice President of the Network of Bar Leaders. The NLA is being recognized for its Pro Bono Legal Clinics which have been described by the conference of Bar Leaders as "an excellent example of how associations reach out to surrounding communities and provide a needed service".
The award will be presented on January 27, 2012 at the Annual Bar Leader Breakfast.
The NLA takes this opportunity to extend congratulations to other awardees:
Large Bar (over 2,000 members)
New York County Lawyers Association, New York, NY
Medium Bar (500 to 1,999 members)
American Immigration Lawyers Association, New York, NY
Small Bar (fewer than 500 members)
Adirondack Women's Bar Association, Clifton Park, NY
Commenting on the award, the NLA's president, Abayomi Ajaiyeoba stated that, "the NLA is very honored and pleased to receive this award. There is no greater reward than being recognized by respected peers for work you consider important. We thank Ms. Salensky for her nomination.
In the spirit of community service, the furtherance of the NLA's principle objectives to facilitate and advance the fair and equitable administration of justice and towards the goal of assisting the public with its understanding of the law and our legal system, our Legal Clinic Committee, with the help of volunteer attorneys continues to follow the NLA's long standing tradition to bring 'law to the people' wherever they are. Thank you to Mojoyin Onijala and Ndidi Igboeli (2011 Legal Committee co-chairs) and committee members (Uzoma Eze, Lola Oguntunde, Toyin Oladeji and Carl Unegbu) for their tremendous efforts. Special thanks also to all of our members, members of other bar associations and non-member solo practitioners who have volunteered their time over the years towards this worthy cause. This is of particular significance because our volunteer attorneys do not currently receive Continuing Legal Education ("CLE") credit for their service. I anticipate that in the near future, we will provide CLE credit for their substantial efforts.
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ABOUT THE BAR LEADER INNOVATION AWARDS
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The Award is given to Bar Associations in three different categories, "to acknowledge and give statewide recognition to the professional and public service programs sponsored by the local, ethnic, specialty and minority bar associations in New York State. The Bar Innovation Awards were formerly known as the Awards of Merit". It was renamed Bar Innovation Award to recognize how bar associations adapt to the needs of their members and the community at large by introducing new programs and ideas that inure to the benefit of others.
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ABOUT THE NLA
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The NLA is an association of attorneys of Nigerian-descent based in the United States. The NLA has been active in cultivating the science of jurisprudence and facilitating the administration of justice in the United States and in Nigeria. In addition, the NLA serves the needs of its members, as well as the Nigerian community as a whole, by providing leadership and advocacy for their legal needs and interests. The NLA also promotes legal education and professional development in the law while also advancing the professional needs of its members. The NLA holds periodic continuing legal education seminars for lawyers and conducts free legal clinics within local communities to assist individuals with various legal issues.
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New York legislative resolution adopted commending NLA
A New York legislative resolution was adopted on January 10, 2012 commending the Nigerian Lawyers Association: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/api/1.0/html/bill/J2805-2011.
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