July 07, (THEWILL) — The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has warned candidates preparing for the Call to the Bar ceremony against the unauthorised use of barristers’ regalia, cautioning that violations could attract disciplinary sanctions and jeopardise their eligibility to be called to the Nigerian Bar.
In a public notice issued by the Nigerian Law School and signed by the Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, Aderonke O. Osho, the Council said it had observed with concern a growing trend of candidates circulating invitations, photographs and videos of themselves dressed in full legal regalia before their official Call to the Bar.
According to the Council, the practice gives the false impression that such candidates have already qualified as legal practitioners and have been formally admitted to the Nigerian Bar, contrary to the provisions of the law governing legal practice in Nigeria.
The notice specifically warned against candidates portraying themselves as lawyers, describing themselves as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria or appending the title “Esquire” to their names before the official Call to the Bar ceremony.
It noted that such conduct contravenes Section 22 of the Legal Practitioners Act, which regulates who may practise as a legal practitioner in the country.
The Council also frowned on candidates wearing the official wig and gown together with casual or unauthorised clothing, describing the practice as inconsistent with the dignity, decorum and established standards guiding the use of legal regalia.
It stated that such conduct violates Rule 45 of the Rules of Professional Conduct governing the legal profession.
To stem the trend, the Council directed all candidates who may have breached the rules to immediately remove from social media and other online platforms any offending photographs, videos, invitations or related materials depicting them in legal regalia before their formal admission to the Bar.
It stressed that failure to comply with the directive could result in disciplinary measures and may adversely affect a candidate’s fitness and eligibility for Call to the Bar.
The Council reiterated that aspiring lawyers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline and respect for the traditions of the legal profession throughout their training and admission process.
The Nigerian Law School maintained that only candidates formally called to the Bar by the appropriate authorities are entitled to wear the official barristers’ wig and gown or hold themselves out as legal practitioners.
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