Nigerian Law School Warns Bar Candidates Against Wearing Legal Regalia Early

(Lawyers. Photo by Economic Times)

The Council of Legal Education has cautioned candidates awaiting the Call to the Bar against wearing barristers' regalia and presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners ahead of their formal admission into the Nigerian Bar.

The warning was contained in a notice signed by the Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, issued by the Nigerian Law School and made available on Tuesday.

The Council noted that it had observed what it described as an unacceptable trend of candidates circulating invitations, photographs, and videos of themselves dressed in full legal regalia  wig and gown while portraying themselves as qualified lawyers on social media.

According to the notice, some candidates had gone as far as referring to themselves as "Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court" and attaching the title "Esquire" to their names, even before being officially called to the Bar.

The Council stated that such conduct contravenes Section 22 of the Legal Practitioners Act, which governs who is permitted to practise as a legal practitioner in Nigeria.

It also criticised candidates who combine wigs and gowns with unauthorised, casual, or non-prescribed clothing, describing the practice as inconsistent with the dignity and decorum expected of the legal profession, and noting that this violates Rule 45 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

The Council explained that it had observed with concern a rising and unacceptable trend among candidates preparing for the Call to the Bar, involving the circulation of invitations, photographs, and videos showing them dressed in full legal regalia while presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners across various social media platforms.

As a result, the Council directed all affected candidates to immediately take down all such posts, photographs, videos, and related content from social media and other online platforms.

It warned that failure to comply could attract disciplinary measures and negatively affect a candidate's eligibility and fitness to be called to the Nigerian Bar, stressing that non-compliance with the directive may carry serious consequences for those involved.