The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice is set to unveil a comprehensive first-of-its-kind national law directory, in a move aimed at transforming access, visibility, and structure within Nigeria’s legal profession.
Chairman of the section, Mrs Folashade Alli (SAN), at a pre-conference press briefing in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, said the initiative, already attracting over 2,600 registered lawyers, will, for the first time, provide a verified, centralised database of legal practitioners across the country.
“Visibility is key. We are creating a platform where individuals and organisations can easily identify and contact lawyers based on their areas of expertise,” she said.
Alli described the directory as a legacy project aimed at strengthening the structure of legal practice in Nigeria and enhancing professional connectivity nationwide.
She said the conference was designed to go beyond routine discussions and deliver practical solutions to challenges facing the legal profession.
“This is not just about networking; it is about learning, improving, and adapting to a globalised legal environment shaped by innovation and technology,” she said.
The conference theme is “Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspective.”
Alli emphasised that the programme places strong focus on early-career practitioners, describing them as critical to the profession’s future.
“Young lawyers are the future of the legal profession, and we must equip them with the tools they need to thrive,” Alli said.
To that end, the conference will begin with a specialised training session for 100 young lawyers, focusing on emerging trends and global developments.
The session has already reached full capacity for physical attendance, with virtual participation still open.
According to Alli, the platform will provide a verified database of lawyers across the country, enabling individuals and organisations to identify practitioners based on their areas of expertise.
She disclosed that about 2,000 lawyers are expected to attend the conference, which will feature a mix of plenary sessions, fireside chats, and technical discussions.
Beyond the technical sessions, the conference will include networking and social events, including a gala dinner themed “Vogue Inspired” at the Federal Palace Hotel.
Alli said the broader objective of the conference is to reshape perceptions about legal practice in Nigeria, moving it beyond litigation to include ethics, advisory roles, and emerging sectors.
“Legal practice is not limited to the courtroom. We are building a profession that is innovative, ethical, and globally competitive,” she said.
She said that participants would also have the option of attending a post-conference recreational outing, reinforcing the organisers’ goal of combining professional development with relaxation.
Alli revealed that the conference would host seven plenary sessions and two chat sessions, covering topics such as ethics, arbitration, taxation, and the impact of technology on legal practice.
Speakers will include jurists and professionals from Nigeria and across the globe, including representatives from Ghana and the United Kingdom.
She added that participants will earn Continuing Professional Development points, reinforcing the conference’s focus on continuous legal education.
The Conference Planning Committee Co-Chairman, Mr Kelechi Obi (SAN), said the event was structured to deliver practical outcomes rather than theoretical discussions.
“We have gone beyond the stage of mere talk. The sessions are practical and designed to impact how lawyers operate in real life,” he said.
Obi said that sessions would address taxation, ethics, arbitration, financial regulations, and challenges such as garnishee proceedings, which have increasingly affected businesses and individuals.
Among those expected at the conference, which he said would feature high-level participation from across the legal and policy space, is former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who will lead discussions on judicial independence.
The keynote address will be delivered by Justice Olufemi Elias of the International Court of Justice.
Explaining the choice of the National Theatre, Lagos, Obi noted the connection between law and the arts.
He said the National Arts Theatre, now known as the Wole Soyinka Theatre, is an icon and a celebration of the arts.
“The law is what we represent. There’s nothing as iconic as the National Arts Theatre in this country. So wherever the location is, we will go there.
“The National Theatre is an icon of excellence. The law also represents excellence, and we want that shared identity to reflect in this conference,” he said.
SLP Vice-Chairman, Mr Tonye Krukrubo (SAN), said the presence of key government officials, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), will help translate discussions into actionable reforms.
“The expectation is that ideas generated here will influence governance and institutional practice,” he said.
The Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), assured participants of adequate security, noting that the venue is a gated complex with additional arrangements involving law enforcement agencies.
She also confirmed that traffic management plans are in place to ensure smooth access.
Also, Dr Charles Adeyemo stated that the conference will explore a wide range of emerging areas, including public international law, arbitration, taxation, and the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on legal practice.
