By Joseph Mwangi
Seasoned lawyer and advocate Senior Counsel John Ohaga says that the rapidly changing landscape within the legal profession requires good leadership, re integration and innovation which included embracing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking during the annual Law Society of Kenya conference, held in Mombasa, Senior Counsel Ohaga emphasized the importance of leadership offering that as a Senior Counsel, it is important for him and his senior peers in the profession to give guidance as the profession navigates this changing phase.
Ohaga, a Senior Counsel who is the Managing Partner at Triple OK advocates as well as the chairman of Kenya’s Sports Disputes Tribunal said that senior counsels need to recognize that they have a responsibility to provide leadership and to uphold and raise standards within the legal community.
“It’s vital that we engage with the younger members of the profession and support their growth. We should be focused on fostering collaboration and ensuring a unified approach to addressing the challenges facing the bar,” Ohaga said.
The conference brought together prominent legal figures to discuss critical issues affecting the legal fraternity in Kenya and the wider East African region.
Themed around the promotion of the rule of law, the conference was assesses by the newly appointed Minister for Legal and Constitutional Affairs from Tanzania who delivered the keynote.
Ohaga expressed hope a discussion around the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the legal profession will become an integral component to the future of the legal profession.
“While there are concerns about job security, it is crucial to recognize that AI cannot replace human intelligence. Instead, it serves as a tool that can enhance our efficiency and effectiveness as legal practitioners,” Ohaga said.
While noting that embracing technological advancements in legal research, precedent analysis, and drafting processes is essential to keeping the profession relevant and competitive globally, Ohaga said that the focus on technology
is an idea on time.
At the same time, Ohaga lauded the increased gender representation within the legal profession.
Currently, Kenya has a woman Attorney General, Chief Justice and the Law Society president.
“The statistics are telling,” stated Ohaga. “At my own practice, we’ve noticed an impressive increase in the number of competent women entering the field, prompting us to apply affirmative action to ensure that male candidates also have a chance,” Ohaga noted.
He reflected on the changes since the inception of the 2010 Constitution, which promised improved gender representation, stating, “Women have seized the opportunities provided by the Constitution and have excelled, while many men have stepped back. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of how we approach professional development and aspirations within the legal field.”
Ohaga has been shortlisted for an award by the African Legal Awards 2024 in the Partner of the Year – East Africa category
