CJN Bans ‘Barrister’ Title Before Lawyers’ Names at Supreme Court

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “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.

Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular stated that the order takes immediate effect as part of efforts to uphold professionalism and uniform standards within the apex court.

The memorandum said the use of the title “Barrister” before names was inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards expected within the Supreme Court.

It directed all affected officers to discontinue the practice in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials and every other official engagement.

According to the directive, “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.”

To ensure compliance, the Chief Justice instructed heads of departments and unit heads to enforce the directive across all sections of the court.

The memorandum stated that supervisory officers would be responsible for ensuring that all personnel under their authority comply strictly with the new requirement.

The directive forms part of ongoing efforts by the judiciary to strengthen professional ethics, maintain institutional standards and promote consistency in official court procedures.

It also reflects a broader emphasis on preserving the dignity and integrity of Nigeria’s legal profession through adherence to established professional conventions.

The development comes only weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before being formally called to the Nigerian Bar.

The council had described such actions as contrary to the ethics of the profession, stressing that legal regalia remains reserved exclusively for lawyers who have been duly called to the Bar.

It also reminded candidates that the use of wigs, gowns and other legal titles is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and warned that violations could attract disciplinary sanctions.