Nigerian Law School warns against premature use of legal regalia

The Nigerian Law School has issued a stern warning to candidates preparing for the Call to the Bar, addressing an "unacceptable trend" of individuals prematurely donning barristers' regalia and presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners.

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The Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Law School, has observed with concern a rising and unacceptable trend among candidates for Call to the Bar.

The Council of Legal Education noted with concern that candidates are circulating invitations, photographs, and videos on social media while dressed in full legal attire, including wigs and gowns. Some have even adopted titles like "Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court" and appended "Esquire" to their names before their official admission.

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This involves candidates circulating invitations, photographs and videos of themselves dressed in full legal regalia (wig and gown), portraying themselves as qualified legal practitioners and disseminating such content on various social media platforms.

This practice, according to a notice signed by the Council's Secretary and Director of Administration, Aderonke Osho, contravenes Section 22 of the Legal Practitioners Act. The Council also criticized the wearing of wigs and gowns with unauthorized or casual clothing, deeming it inconsistent with the dignity and decorum expected of the legal profession and a violation of Rule 45 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

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Candidates who have breached these Rules are hereby directed to forthwith take down all offending posts, photographs, videos and other related content from all social media and online platforms.

Candidates found to have breached these rules have been directed to immediately remove all offending posts, photographs, and videos from online platforms. The Law School warned that non-compliance could result in disciplinary consequences, potentially impacting their eligibility and fitness to be called to the Nigerian Bar.

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Non-compliance with this directive may attract disciplinary consequences and may adversely affect the candidate’s eligibility and fitness for Call to the Bar.