‘Making Money Was Not Easy’: Njeri Maina Reveals Struggles After Joining the Bar

Njeri Maina has spoken about the financial challenges facing young lawyers in Kenya, saying it can be difficult for newly admitted advocates to establish themselves and earn a stable income in the legal profession.

Speaking during an interview on NTV Kenya’s Teen Republik, Maina recalled her experience after being admitted to the bar in 2019, explaining that making money from legal practice was not easy in the early stages of her career.

She argued that young lawyers face significant obstacles when trying to secure opportunities and build a name for themselves in an increasingly competitive profession.

“I struggled to make money after being admitted to the bar in 2019. It is difficult for young lawyers to earn a living, with cartels controlling the market,” Maina said, according to NTV Kenya’s post.

Her remarks have drawn attention to the difficulties that some young legal practitioners encounter when entering the profession, particularly those who are still trying to establish professional networks and attract clients.

For many newly admitted advocates, the transition from legal training to professional practice comes with financial and career-related pressures. While completing legal education and meeting the requirements for admission to the bar are important milestones, building a sustainable legal practice often requires additional resources, experience and access to clients.

Young lawyers may also face competition from established law firms and practitioners who already have strong professional networks and a steady flow of clients. This can make it challenging for newcomers to secure briefs, gain practical experience and generate enough income to meet their professional and personal responsibilities.

Maina’s comments raise questions about access to opportunities within the legal sector and whether young advocates receive adequate support as they begin their careers.

Her reference to cartels controlling the market also points to concerns about possible unfair practices and barriers to entry. However, the remarks presented in the available clip do not identify specific individuals, organisations or incidents to support the allegation. The claim should therefore be understood as her personal assessment rather than an established finding.

The legal profession plays an important role in providing access to justice and upholding the rule of law. Ensuring that young advocates can compete fairly and develop their careers is therefore an issue worth examining within the wider legal community.

Maina’s experience highlights the need for continued conversations about mentorship, professional development and equal access to opportunities for lawyers entering the industry.

As more young people pursue careers in law, the ability to build sustainable practices will remain an important part of their professional journey. Her remarks have brought renewed attention to the challenges that can arise after admission to the bar, when aspiring advocates must turn their legal training into a viable career.

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