The Chief Justice of Nigeria, 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.
The directive was issued on Friday during a brief address to legal practitioners and staff ahead of proceedings at the apex court in Abuja.
According to the CJN, the practice of prefixing “Barr.” to names on court processes, correspondences, and oral addresses is redundant and unprofessional.
“From henceforth, the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is no longer acceptable in this court,” Justice Kekere-Ekun said.
“You are already known as legal practitioners called to the Nigerian Bar. Address yourselves and be addressed by your names and rank, such as learned counsel, senior advocate, or simply esquire where appropriate.”
She added that the Supreme Court would lead by example in upholding global best practices in legal correspondence and courtroom etiquette.
Legal analysts say the directive aligns with international standards where lawyers are addressed by their names, rank of SAN, or simply as “Counsel” in court, without the “Barrister” prefix.
The title “Barrister” is traditionally used in the UK and other common law jurisdictions to distinguish barristers from solicitors. In Nigeria, however, every lawyer called to the Bar can practice both roles, making the prefix largely ceremonial.
The CJN noted that cluttering court documents and oral addresses with unnecessary titles often causes confusion and delays.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also directed registrars, court clerks, and other officials to ensure strict compliance in cause lists, rulings, judgments, and official letters emanating from the Supreme Court.
She warned that documents bearing the “Barrister” prefix may be returned for correction.
The Nigerian Bar Association has in the past debated the propriety of the title, with many senior lawyers arguing it adds no value to legal practice in Nigeria.
The new directive takes immediate effect at the Supreme Court, and the CJN expressed hope that other courts across the country would adopt the same standard.
