CJN Bars Lawyers from Using 'Barrister' Title in Official Correspondence

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sent a memo to all legal practitioners in the country, directing them to discontinue the use of the title 'Barrister' as a prefix to their names in all official correspondence.

The memo, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, was dated July 13. According to the CJN, the use of the 'Barrister' title by lawyers is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the apex court.

The Body of Benchers, through its Chairman, HRM Albert Akpomuje, SAN, had earlier expressed concerns over the misuse of the 'Barrister' title by some lawyers. In a Call-to-Bar ceremony held in Abuja recently, the Body of Benchers stated that the title 'Barrister' has become very common, particularly among political colleagues who want everybody to know they are lawyers.

The CJN has directed all litigation staff, legal practitioners, and court registrars to discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and other official engagements with immediate effect.

The Chief Justice has also instructed heads of departments and unit heads in all tiers of courts in the country to ensure strict compliance with the directive. According to the memo, 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 CJN's directive comes as a surprise to many lawyers, who have been using the 'Barrister' title as a prefix to their names for years. However, the move is seen as a step in the right direction to maintain professionalism within the legal sector.

The full impact of the CJN's directive is yet to be seen, but it is likely to have a significant impact on the legal sector in Nigeria. As the CJN continues to maintain professionalism within the sector, it is clear that the use of the 'Barrister' title will no longer be tolerated in official correspondence.

The CJN's memo has also highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism within the legal sector. As the sector continues to evolve, it is essential that lawyers maintain the highest standards of professionalism to maintain the integrity of the sector.

The CJN's directive is a significant move towards maintaining professionalism within the legal sector in Nigeria. As the sector continues to grow, it is essential that lawyers maintain the highest standards of professionalism to maintain the integrity of the sector.

The CJN's directive has been welcomed by many lawyers, who see it as a step in the right direction to maintain professionalism within the legal sector. However, some lawyers have expressed concerns over the immediate effect of the directive, worrying that it may cause confusion and inconvenience to some lawyers who have been using the 'Barrister' title for years.

The CJN's memo has also highlighted the importance of clear communication within the legal sector. As the sector continues to evolve, it is essential that lawyers communicate clearly and effectively to maintain the integrity of the sector.

The CJN's directive is a significant move towards maintaining professionalism within the legal sector in Nigeria. As the sector continues to grow, it is essential that lawyers maintain the highest standards of professionalism to maintain the integrity of the sector.

The CJN's directive has been welcomed by many lawyers, who see it as a step in the right direction to maintain professionalism within the legal sector. However, some lawyers have expressed concerns over the immediate effect of the directive, worrying that it may cause confusion and inconvenience to some lawyers who have been using the 'Barrister' title for years.

The CJN's memo has also highlighted the importance of clear communication within the legal sector. As the sector continues to evolve, it is essential that lawyers communicate clearly and effectively to maintain the integrity of the sector.