Nigerian Law School Warns Call-to-Bar Candidates Against Posing as Lawyers Before Official Ceremony
The Council of Legal Education, through the Nigerian Law School, has issued a stern warning to candidates awaiting their Call to the Bar ceremony, cautioning them against the unauthorised use of lawyers’ regalia, including wigs and gowns, before they are officially admitted into the Nigerian Bar.
The warning followed what the Council described as a growing and unacceptable practice among some candidates who have been presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners ahead of their formal Call ceremony.
In a notice directed at all prospective new wigs and gowns recipients, the Council expressed concern over the circulation of invitations, photographs, and videos showing candidates dressed in full legal attire while portraying themselves as already admitted lawyers.
The Council noted that some candidates had shared such materials widely on social media platforms, where they allegedly referred to themselves as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court and attached the title “Esquire” to their names before receiving official approval to practise law.
According to the Council, such actions amount to misrepresentation and violate Section 22 of the Legal Practitioners Act, which regulates who may present themselves as legal practitioners in Nigeria.
The Council also condemned the improper use of legal regalia, particularly instances where candidates wore wigs and gowns with casual or unauthorised clothing, stating that such conduct undermines the dignity, decorum, and professional standards associated with the legal profession.
It added that these actions are inconsistent with Rule 45 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which governs the appropriate use of legal attire.
As part of its directive, the Council ordered all candidates who had violated the guidelines to immediately remove any offending photographs, videos, invitations, or related online content from social media platforms and other digital spaces.
The Council warned that failure to comply could result in disciplinary measures and may negatively affect a candidate’s eligibility and fitness to be called to the Nigerian Bar.
The notice was signed by Aderonke O. Osho, Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration.
