In a bid to safeguard the interests of legal practitioners and protect the integrity of the legal profession, the newly sworn-in President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, has announced the formation of a Committee to address the encroachment of non-legal practitioners into legal businesses.
During his inaugural speech, Osigwe highlighted the need to protect legal businesses from the unauthorized practice of law by non-legal practitioners, as well as the influx of foreign lawyers and law firms. He emphasized the importance of preserving the exclusive domain of legal practitioners and ensuring that only qualified and licensed individuals engage in the practice of law.
The Committee, which will be chaired by Mr. George Etomi, with Olusegun Fabunmi, SAN, serving as the Alternate Chairman, and Jubril Ali as the Secretary, will utilize both litigation and advocacy strategies to tackle this issue. The primary objective is to preclude non-legal practitioners from unlawfully engaging in any form of legal practice, thereby maintaining the sanctity of the legal profession.
Osigwe stressed the NBA’s commitment to upholding the standards and ethics of the legal profession, noting that the unauthorized practice of law by non-legal practitioners poses a significant threat to the public’s trust in the legal system and the quality of legal services provided.
The Committee will work closely with relevant stakeholders, including the judiciary, regulatory bodies, and government agencies, to develop and implement effective measures to curb the encroachment of non-legal practitioners into legal businesses. This may include initiating legal actions against offenders, advocating for stricter regulations and enforcement, and raising public awareness about the importance of engaging qualified legal practitioners.
By establishing this Committee, the NBA President demonstrates the Association’s resolve to protect the interests of its members, maintain the integrity of the legal profession, and ensure that the public receives competent and reliable legal services from duly qualified and licensed practitioners.
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