The future trajectory of Nigeria's legal profession hinges significantly on the conduct and integrity of its younger generation.
This was the resounding message delivered by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Usman O. Sule, to a gathering of young legal practitioners at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) Professional Development Scheme (PDS) Training Session held at his law firm recently.
In his compelling paper, "Ethical Standards of a Young Lawyer," Sule emphasised that adherence to ethical principles is not merely a suggestion but a fundamental legal and moral obligation for every legal professional.
Anchoring his presentation on the theme “Towards Better Performance,” Sule meticulously outlined how professional ethics serve as the bedrock of a credible and just legal system.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) and the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) provide a robust framework, ensuring lawyers operate with unwavering honesty, diligence, confidentiality, and unwavering loyalty to both their clients and the courts.
From right to fourth left: The Principal Partner, U. O. Sule (SAN) Chambers, Usman O. Sule (SAN); Dr Suleiman Usman (SAN); Mrs Daine G. Okoko; Okey Bassey; and others at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Unity Branch, Abuja Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) Professional Development Scheme (PDS) training session held at U. O. Sule (SAN) Chambers in Abuja over the weekend
"A lawyer shall uphold and observe the rule of law, promote and foster the course of justice, maintain a high standard of professional conduct, and shall not engage in any conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner,” Sule quoted, underscoring the gravity of their professional responsibilities.
He further solidified his point by citing the Supreme Court’s definitive decision in NBA v. Kehinde (2017) 11 NWLR (Pt. 1576) 225 (SC), which unequivocally stated that integrity remains the cornerstone of legal practice, and any lawyer found wanting in this crucial value "has no place in the temple of justice."
Sule also touched upon the practical aspects of professional conduct, stressing the significance of affixing the NBA seal to court documents.
This seemingly small detail, he explained, serves as a vital reinforcement of the authenticity and professional standing of lawyers, upholding the sanctity of legal proceedings.
Beyond traditional practice, the Senior Advocate delved into the evolving landscape of legal research, advocating for a hybrid model that seamlessly integrates traditional legal texts with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain.
However, he issued a cautionary note, emphasising that accuracy, confidentiality, and the ethical use of these digital tools must be rigorously maintained to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.
“It is not just about legal knowledge or courtroom performance, ethics is what separates a lawyer from a legal technician.
“Without integrity, there is no justice. Without justice, there is no profession,” Sule passionately concluded, urging the young lawyers to internalise the ethical codes that define their noble calling.
The training session also featured insightful contributions from other legal luminaries. D. G. Okoko, speaking on “Career Development: Finding Your Niche in Legal Practice,” urged young lawyers to resist the temptation to become generalists.
Instead, she encouraged specialisation, asserting that "credibility, confidence, and career growth come from mastering a specific area of law."
Okoko underscored the irreplaceable value of preparation, continuous learning, hard work, discipline, and unwavering focus in building a successful legal career.
Similarly, Dr Suleiman Usman (SAN) enlightened the participants on "Harnessing Technology in Legal Practice."
He highlighted the increasing relevance of digital tools, ranging from virtual hearings and AI-powered research to proficiency in essential software like Microsoft Office.
Dr Usman implored young lawyers to embrace innovation as a powerful means of boosting productivity and ensuring their continued relevance in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
Adding a seasoned perspective, Afam Okeke, a former President of the NBA (Unity Bar), admonished the young lawyers on the critical importance of patience and resilience.
He advised them to embrace continuous learning, stressing that true professional growth is often a journey requiring time, discipline, and humility.
Okeke further emphasised the strategic advantage of identifying areas of strength and interest, as specialisation not only sharpens skills but also positions lawyers as authorities in their chosen fields.
In a closing remark, the President of the YLF expressed profound appreciation to all guest speakers, particularly acknowledging U.O. Sule SAN for his invaluable contributions to the development of the bar.
He commended the young lawyers for their active participation and urged them to diligently apply the lessons learned, especially regarding ethics, patience, and career development.
He assured members of the YLF’s unwavering commitment to providing continuous professional support, mentorship, and purposeful engagements to nurture the next generation of legal professionals.
All rights reserved. The content on this website, including text and other digital materials, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of The News Accelerator Network.
For advertising inquiries, news coverage, or press releases, please get in touch with us at
📧 thenewsacceleratornetwork@gmail.com
📞 0805 101 7159, 0814 404 8512.
إرسال تعليق