The Council of Legal Education has cautioned candidates awaiting their Call to the Bar against wearing barristers’ wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are officially admitted to the Nigerian Bar.
The Punch reported that the warning was contained in a notice issued by the Nigerian Law School and signed by the Council’s Secretary and Director of Administration, Aderonke Osho. The notice was made available on Tuesday.
According to the Council, it has noticed a growing trend of prospective lawyers sharing invitation cards, photographs and videos on social media showing themselves dressed in full legal regalia, thereby giving the impression that they have already qualified as legal practitioners.
The Council also expressed concern that some candidates have begun referring to themselves as “Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court” and attaching the title “Esquire” to their names despite not yet being formally called to the Bar.
It noted that such conduct violates Section 22 of the Legal Practitioners Act, which specifies who is legally authorised to practise law in Nigeria.
The Council further criticised the practice of wearing wigs and gowns alongside casual or other unauthorised clothing, describing it as inconsistent with the dignity and standards expected of the legal profession.
It said the behaviour also breaches Rule 45 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
“The Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Law School, has observed with concern a rising and unacceptable trend among candidates for Call to the Bar.
“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,” the notice read.
The Council directed all affected candidates to immediately delete every offending post, photograph, video and related material from social media and other online platforms.
It warned that anyone who fails to comply with the directive risks disciplinary action, which could negatively affect their eligibility and suitability for admission to the Nigerian Bar.
“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.
“Non-compliance with this directive may attract disciplinary consequences and may adversely affect the candidate’s eligibility and fitness for Call to the Bar,” the notice added.
