LPPC disowns ‘blue silk’ title, reaffirms SAN as highest legal rank

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has rejected reports about the introduction and use of a title known as “Blue Silk” in some parts of the legal community, saying it does not recognise such a designation.

In a statement released to journalists on Thursday, the LPPC made it clear that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria remains the highest professional distinction available to lawyers in the country.

The Committee stressed that any claim of conferment of a “Blue Silk” title has no basis in law. It stated that there is no statutory provision backing the creation or recognition of such a rank within Nigeria’s legal system.

According to the LPPC, the introduction or use of the title could amount to a breach of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023. The body warned that legal practitioners are expected to comply strictly with the existing regulations guiding the profession.

The Committee reaffirmed its authority as the body responsible for recommending and conferring the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urging members of the Bar to avoid the use of unofficial titles that may mislead the public or undermine established standards.

It said: “The attention of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has been drawn to the introduction and recent use of the purported title or designation referred to as ‘Blue Silk’ within certain quarters of the legal community.

“The LPPC is a statutory body established under the Legal Practitioners Act and is solely vested with the responsibility of conferring the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

“The rank of SAN remains the highest mark of professional distinction for legal practitioners in Nigeria and is awarded strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act and the Guidelines issued by the LPPC.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the LPPC does not recognize any parallel, intermediate, or alternative rank styled as ‘Blue Silk’ or by any other nomenclature purporting to suggest official status, hierarchy, or recognition within the legal profession.

“The introduction, conferment or use of such a title has no statutory backing and does not emanate from the LPPC or any authority recognized under the Legal Practitioners Act.

“Members of the legal profession and the general public are hereby advised to take note. The LPPC views the actions of legal practitioners involved in the establishment of such purported ranks, as well as individuals who present or parade themselves as ‘Blue Silks’ as conduct that may amount to violations of the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023.

“At its meeting held on 12th February 2026, the LPPC resolved to take appropriate steps in line with its statutory mandate to preserve the integrity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“The LPPC remains firmly committed to upholding the integrity, prestige, and exclusivity of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and will continue to discharge its responsibilities strictly in accordance with the law,” the statement, which was signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, further read.

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