Law School Warns Candidates Against Wearing Wig, Gown Before Call to Bar

The Council of Legal Education warned Law School candidates against wearing wigs and gowns or claiming to be lawyers before their official Call to the Bar.

The Council of Legal Education has warned Nigerian Law School candidates awaiting the Call to the Bar against wearing barristers’ wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified lawyers before they are officially admitted to the Nigerian Bar.

In a notice signed by the Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, Aderonke Osho, the Council expressed concern over the increasing number of candidates sharing invitations, photos and videos on social media showing themselves dressed in full legal regalia and portraying themselves as legal practitioners before their official call.

The Council also noted that some candidates had begun referring to themselves as “Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court” and using the title “Esquire” before being formally called to the Bar. It stated that such actions violate Section 22 of the Legal Practitioners Act, which regulates who is legally permitted to practise law in Nigeria.

The Council further condemned the practice of wearing wigs and gowns with casual or unauthorised clothing, describing it as inconsistent with the dignity and standards of the legal profession and a breach of Rule 45 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Candidates who have already shared such content were directed to immediately remove all related posts, photographs and videos from social media and other online platforms.

The Council warned that anyone who fails to comply with the directive could face disciplinary action, which may affect their eligibility and fitness to be called to the Nigerian Bar.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH