CJN tells lawyers to stop using 'Barrister' as a title

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has told lawyers to stop using 'Barrister' as a title before their names.

Mrs Kekere-Ekun, who leads the legal profession in Nigeria, said that all lawyers must stop this practice. She called it inappropriate and unprofessional.

This information came from a circular dated 13 July, signed by Kabir Akanbi, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court.

The circular was made public on Friday. It warned lawyers to immediately stop using the 'Barrister' title in all official documents, records, identity materials, and other official matters.

"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 circular stated.

The circular urged lawyers to follow this order. It also asked all relevant authorities to ensure that lawyers comply.

"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 circular added.

"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 circular continued.

Using 'Barrister' as a courtesy title is common among lawyers in Nigeria, even if it is not officially accepted.

Until now, the legal profession and the courts had ignored this practice, allowing it to become widely accepted over the years.

The word 'barrister' comes from Britain. It means a lawyer who can present a case in court and is not meant to be a title.

In Nigeria, lawyers are registered as barristers and solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In England and Wales, the legal profession is divided into barristers and solicitors. But in Nigeria, lawyers can do both jobs.

In countries where lawyers work as barristers, none allows the term as a title.

Lawyers also often use 'Esq.' (Esquire) after their names as a sign of professionalism.

However, 'esquire' simply means a formal title that can go after a man's name, especially in an official letter.

This means any man can use it like 'mister,' but lawyers, regardless of gender, have made it a title just for them.

Over time, it has also been accepted as a title exclusive to lawyers.

The circular from the CJN did not mention the use of 'Esq.'