CJN bans lawyers from using ‘Barrister’ title

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and other legal personnel to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in official engagements at the Supreme Court.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

The circular, addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, said the directive took immediate effect and was aimed at upholding professional standards within the apex court.

“I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the memorandum said.

It directed all affected personnel to immediately discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials and other official engagements.

“Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect,” the memo stated.

The chief justice also directed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the order.

“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly,” the memorandum added.

The directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.

The council said such conduct undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.

It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners.