Premature Use of Wig, Gown and 'Esquire' Title May Jeopardize Call to Bar, Council Warns

Council of Legal Education has warned Call to the Bar candidates against wearing barristers' wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified lawyers before formal admission, warning that violations could lead to disciplinary action and affect Bar eligibility.

The warning was contained in a notice signed by the Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, Aderonke Osho, issued by the Nigerian Law School and made available on Tuesday.

The Council said it had observed an “unacceptable trend” of candidates circulating invitations, photographs and videos of themselves dressed in full legal regalia (wig and gown) and portraying themselves as qualified lawyers on social media.

According to the notice, some candidates had also addressed themselves as “Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court” and appended the title “Esquire” to their names before being officially called to the Bar.

The Council said such actions contravene Section 22 of the Legal Practitioners Act, which regulates who may practise as a legal practitioner in Nigeria.

It also frowned on candidates wearing wigs and gowns with unauthorised, casual or non-prescribed clothing, describing the practice as inconsistent with the dignity and decorum of the legal profession.

According to the Council, the conduct violates Rule 45 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

“The Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Law School, has observed with concern a rising and unacceptable trend among candidates for Call to the Bar.

“This involves candidates circulating invitations, photographs and videos of themselves dressed in full legal regalia (wig and gown), portraying themselves as qualified legal practitioners and disseminating such content on various social media platforms,” the notice read.

The Council directed all affected candidates to immediately remove all offending posts, photographs, videos and related content from social media and other online platforms.

It warned that failure to comply could attract disciplinary measures and affect a candidate’s eligibility and fitness to be called to the Nigerian Bar.

“Candidates who have breached these Rules are hereby directed to forthwith take down all offending posts, photographs, videos and other related content from all social media and online platforms.

“Non-compliance with this directive may attract disciplinary consequences and may adversely affect the candidate’s eligibility and fitness for Call to the Bar,” the notice added.