CJN bans use of ‘Barrister’ title as name prefix at Supreme Court

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), 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 of Nigeria.

The directive was conveyed 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 directive takes immediate effect and is aimed at maintaining the highest standards of professionalism within the apex court.

According to the memorandum:

> “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 directive further instructed all affected officers to immediately discontinue the use of the title in official communications and documentation.

It stated:

> “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.”

To ensure strict compliance, the Chief Justice also directed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to monitor implementation across their respective units.

The memo 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 latest directive 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 they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.

The Council said such conduct diminishes the dignity of the legal profession and warned that offenders could face disciplinary action.

It also reminded aspiring lawyers that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved exclusively for duly qualified legal practitioners who have been called to the Bar.