The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has issued a stern warning to candidates awaiting Call to the Bar, directing them to immediately stop the unauthorized use of barristers’ regalia and remove all related content from social media or risk disciplinary action that could affect their eligibility for Call to the Bar.
In a public notice signed by the Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, Aderonke O. Osho, the Council expressed concern over what it described as a growing and unacceptable trend of candidates circulating photographs, videos and invitations showing themselves dressed in full legal regalia (wig and gown) before they have been officially called to the Nigerian Bar.
According to the Council, some candidates have also been portraying themselves as qualified legal practitioners, addressing themselves as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and appending the title “Esquire” to their names before their official Call to the Bar. The Council stated that such conduct contravenes Section 22 of the Legal Practitioners Act (LPA).
The notice further condemned the practice of wearing the wig and gown alongside casual or other unauthorized attire, noting that it diminishes the dignity, decorum and established standards governing the use of legal regalia. It emphasized that such conduct is inconsistent with Rule 45 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).
The Council directed all candidates who have engaged in any of the prohibited acts to immediately take down all offending posts, photographs, videos and related materials from social media and other online platforms.
It warned that failure to comply with the directive could attract disciplinary sanctions and may adversely affect a candidate’s eligibility and fitness to be called to the Nigerian Bar.
The Council reiterated its commitment to preserving the integrity, dignity and ethical standards of the legal profession and urged all aspiring legal practitioners to conduct themselves in accordance with the law and established professional rules pending their formal Call to the Bar.
