Body of Benchers Calls New Lawyers to Bar, Urges Discipline and Integrity

The Body of Benchers on Thursday, September 25, 2025, formally called a new set of lawyers to the Nigerian Bar at a grand ceremony held in Abuja.

Addressing the fresh wigs, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers described the legal profession as “as old as time,” urging the inductees to uphold the nobility of the calling with discipline, integrity, and dedication to service.

He congratulated the new lawyers, noting that the Council of Legal Education found them worthy of the honour after a rigorous training and examination process. “Determination today leads to success tomorrow,” he said, encouraging them to embrace hard work and dedication as pathways to becoming successful lawyers.

The Chairman reminded the new entrants that payment of practicing fees is mandatory, while stressing that lawyers are officers of the court whose conduct must never be calculated merely for personal gain. He charged them to strictly adhere to the rules of professional conduct, disciplinary code, and the profession’s dress standards.

In highlighting the importance of discipline, he cited that in January 2025, one lawyer was disbarred and eight others were suspended for professional misconduct, reiterating that ethical breaches would not be tolerated.

The ceremony was attended by senior members of the bar, the Bench, government officials, and families of the inductees, who celebrated the milestone achievement.