CJN Bans Lawyers From Using ‘Barrister’ at the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has directed lawyers, court registrars and litigation staff to stop using the title "Barrister" as a prefix to their names in all official correspondence and engagements with the apex court.

The directive, issued by Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, was contained in an internal memorandum dated 13th July 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi.

The memo, seen on Friday, was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers.

Titled "Prohibition of the Use of the Title Barrister as a Prefix to Names," the memorandum said the practice does not meet the professional standards expected at Nigeria's highest court.

"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 the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria," the memo stated.

The court ordered that the title be dropped immediately from "all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements."

It added, "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."

The Chief Justice also directed supervisory officers to ensure full compliance across departments.

The memorandum said, "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 directive applies specifically to official dealings with the Supreme Court and is aimed at promoting uniformity and professionalism in court records and communications.

While Nigerian lawyers are formally called to the Bar as legal practitioners and are often described as "Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria," the apex court now says "Barrister" should no longer appear as a name prefix in its official processes.