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CJN stops use of ‘Barrister’ title in Supreme Court proceedings
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed legal practitioners and court officials to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names during all official engagements at the Supreme Court.
The directive was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the circular, which was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers, the new instruction takes immediate effect.
The memo explained that the decision is part of ongoing efforts by the Supreme Court to strengthen professionalism and maintain appropriate standards in official court proceedings.
The memorandum which was sighted by Very Nigerian on Friday read, “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.”
It further directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.
The memo stated, “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.”
To ensure full implementation of the directive, the Chief Justice also directed supervisory officers to enforce compliance.
The memorandum added, “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 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.
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