CJN BANS LAWYERS, COURT OFFICIALS TO STOP USING ‘BARRISTER’ AS OFFICIAL TITLE. (PHOTO).

CJN Bans Lawyers, Court Officials to Stop Using ‘Barrister’ as Official Title

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and other legal personnel to discontinue the use of “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all 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, which was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, stated that the directive took immediate effect and was aimed at upholding professional standards within the apex court.

According to the memorandum, the use of the title “Barrister” before names was considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme 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 memo stated.

The directive further ordered all affected officers to immediately stop using 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 memorandum added.

To ensure full implementation, the Chief Justice directed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to enforce strict compliance among officers under their supervision.

“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 memo stated.

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 being formally called to the Nigerian Bar.

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

It also reiterated that the use of legal regalia is regulated by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved exclusively for duly qualified legal practitioners.