In this edition of Young Business Lawyer, we feature Sonia Onyia,  of KENNA LP, whose practice spans corporate governance and regulatory compliance. We explore her professional journey, insights on the evolving legal landscape, and perspectives on building a successful career in business law.

What do you think sets successful young lawyers apart in today’s legal industry?

Beyond technical competence, what truly sets successful young lawyers apart today is commercial awareness. Clients do not just want textbook legal advice; they want lawyers who understand their business objectives and can provide practical solutions to complex legal issues. Over time, I have seen that the lawyers who stand out are those who can simplify complex legal issues and translate them into advice that is clear, strategic, and actionable.

I also think being reliable and taking initiative are qualities that make a significant difference early in a legal career. Being dependable, paying attention to detail, anticipating issues before they arise, and being willing to go beyond what is specifically assigned are traits that quickly build trust with both colleagues and clients. A young lawyer who consistently takes ownership and shows initiative naturally becomes one people can rely on.

Adaptability is equally important in today’s legal landscape. The profession is evolving rapidly, from regulatory developments to the increasing role of technology in legal service delivery. Young lawyers who embrace change, remain curious, and continuously develop skills beyond pure legal analysis position themselves as genuinely valuable to both clients and their firms.

What alternatives to traditional legal practice are prevalent amongst young lawyers and why?

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift amongst young lawyers towards alternative career paths beyond traditional law firm practice, particularly into in-house roles, compliance and regulatory advisory, legal technology, policy, and business-focused roles. I think this is largely driven by the evolving nature of the profession itself and the growing demand for lawyers who can operate at the intersection of law, business, technology, and regulation.

In my view, the shift is driven less by dissatisfaction with traditional practice and more by increased awareness of the wide range of opportunities available today. I have fortunately had the privilege of having in-house legal experience and I currently work in a law firm, and, I still believe traditional practice provides invaluable training, exposure, and professional development, especially at the early stages of a legal career.

At the same time, young lawyers are increasingly interested in applying their legal skills in more diverse and commercially integrated ways. The profession is no longer one-dimensional, and I think it is a positive development that lawyers now have the flexibility to explore different paths while still leveraging their legal training.

What are the key challenges young lawyers face within the legal profession?

I think young lawyers today face a combination of professional and personal challenges, including limited mentorship opportunities, developing commercial awareness, and balancing the demands of practice with personal growth and well-being.

Technical legal skills can be taught, but many of the qualities that define an excellent lawyer, such as sound judgment, client management, strategic thinking, and communication, are developed through exposure and guidance, and not everyone has equal access to that level of mentorship early in their careers.

There is also the challenge of building credibility and a professional identity in a profession where reputation and relationships take time to establish. Young lawyers therefore must be very intentional about how they position themselves, the value they bring to assignments, and the way they build professional relationships over time.

The legal profession is fast-paced and known for its high-pressure environment, how do you manage stress?

I have come to accept that pressure is an inherent part of legal practice. Regardless of the area of practice, whether traditional or non-traditional, the demands are intense, so the key is really learning how to manage and respond to that pressure effectively.

For me, that starts with structure and prioritisation. I break work down into manageable tasks, focus on what is most urgent and important, and maintain clear communication with colleagues and clients.

I also try to be intentional about maintaining balance where possible, whether that means reducing screen time, exercising occasionally, or setting aside time to properly rest. More recently, especially with leading my own team, I have also learned that delegation is not a weakness; it is an important part of good management and allows you to focus on the areas where you can add the most value.

What role has mentorship and networking played in your career development?

Mentorship and networking have played a very important role in my career development. Starting my legal career at KENNA LP gave me access to senior lawyers who are always willing to guide, mentor, and support, not just in technical legal practice, but also in professionalism, communication, client management, and navigating the broader realities of the profession.

I think mentorship is particularly important for young lawyers because many practical aspects of legal practice are learned through observation, feedback, and experience rather than in the classroom.

Networking has also been valuable in terms of building professional relationships, gaining exposure to different perspectives within the industry, and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration. I do not see networking purely as a transactional exercise, but more as a way of building genuine professional connections over time.