CJN Bans Use of ‘Barrister’ Title as Name Prefix at Supreme Court

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has prohibited lawyers, legal practitioners, and court officials from using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.

The directive was issued in a memorandum signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

The circular stated that using “Barrister” as a prefix is inappropriate and inconsistent with professional standards at the apex court. It instructs all litigation staff, court registrars, and legal practitioners to immediately cease using the title across official correspondence, records, documents, and identity materials.

Department and unit heads have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance among officers under their supervision.

The move follows recent warnings from the Council of Legal Education against prospective lawyers wearing legal regalia or presenting themselves as legal practitioners prior to being formally called to the Nigerian Bar.