CJN Bans Use Of ‘Barrister’ Title In Supreme Court

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and litigation staff to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.

According to a memorandum sighted by reporters on Friday, 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 said the directive takes immediate effect and is aimed at upholding the standards of professionalism expected within the apex court.

The memorandum stated, “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.”

It further directed all affected officers to immediately discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, records and other official materials.

“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 memo stated.

To ensure full compliance, the Chief Justice instructed heads of departments and unit heads to enforce the directive among officers under their supervision.

The memorandum 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 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 conduct undermines the dignity of the legal profession and warned that offenders could face disciplinary measures. It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved exclusively for duly qualified legal practitioners.