Supreme Court Bans Use Of The Prefix ‘Barrister’ By Lawyers

By Ayodele Oni

The Supreme Court has banned the use of “Barrister” as a prefix before names of legal practitioners and judicial officers, describing it as “inappropriate.”

This was contained in a memo dated July 13 and signed by the Chief Registrar, Kabiru Akanbi.

The memo reads in full:

“I am directed by the Honourable 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 standard of professionalism within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title “Barrister” before their names in a official correspondence, records, dicuments, identity materials and any other official engagement with immediate effect.

“Heads of departments and unit heads are expected to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”

It, however, did not disclose how to address them – simply “Mr, Mrs, Ms. or, Barrister-at-Law.”