Human Rights

Regulation of the Profession and Ethics

The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) recognizes the importance of regulating the legal profession and upholding ethical standards in the practice of law. We believe that a strong and effective regulatory framework is essential for maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and ensuring that legal services are delivered to the public in a competent, ethical, and professional manner.

Our Regulation of the Profession and Ethics Policy Agenda focuses on the following areas:

  • Legal Profession Regulation: We work to shape legal profession regulation in Nigeria, both at the federal and state levels. We advocate for the development and implementation of regulatory laws and policies that promote ethical conduct, competence, and professionalism in the practice of law.

  • Ethics and Professional Conduct: We develop and promote ethical and professional conduct rules for lawyers in Nigeria. We recognize that lawyers have a special responsibility to uphold the law and the administration of justice, and we believe that ethical and professional conduct is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of the public in the legal profession.

  • Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing: We advocate against the extension of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing regulatory requirements to lawyers in Nigeria. We believe that the legislation's suspicious matter reporting obligations are inconsistent with fundamental common law doctrines and principles that underpin the professional obligations and functions of lawyers in Nigeria. At risk are client legal privilege, client confidentiality, the client-lawyer relationship, and ultimately the independence of the legal profession.

The Nigerian Law Society is committed to promoting and upholding the principles of legal profession regulation and ethics. We work collaboratively with state and local bar associations, as well as other constituent bodies and sections, to develop and promote regulation that is efficient, consistent, and effective.

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