CJN Bans ‘Barrister’ Prefix at Supreme Court

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a directive prohibiting lawyers, court officials, and other personnel from using the title 'Barrister' as a prefix to their names in official dealings at the Supreme Court. The CJN considers this practice inconsistent with the expected standards of professionalism at the nation's highest court.

The directive, conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, takes immediate effect. It applies to litigation staff, legal practitioners, Court Registrars, and lawyers. The circular mandates the discontinuation of the 'Barrister' prefix in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials, and all other official engagements with the Supreme Court.

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance professionalism and ensure uniformity in court proceedings. Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are tasked with enforcing strict compliance among their subordinates. The directive underscores the professional standards expected within Nigeria's highest judicial body.

Legal observers note that this move reinforces established legal conventions, where lawyers are typically identified by their names, qualifications, or ranks like Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), rather than the prefix 'Barrister' in formal settings. This directive follows recent actions by legal regulatory bodies aimed at upholding professional ethics, including a warning from the Council of Legal Education against prospective lawyers presenting themselves as qualified practitioners before being formally called to the Bar.