* Ethical propriety of call to bar pictures

Debates concerning ethical and professional issues with regard

Call-to-Bar pictures have yet again taken the center stage among lawyers on various law-related spaces, including on Twitter.

From the use of non-conformist, and non-traditional dress culture as part of celebrations for new wigs of the Nigerian Bar, the 2022 call to bar photo album was no different.

In its reaction to some of these ‘non-conformist’ dress codes, the NBA while celebrating (reposting) the new wigs via its Twitter handle

cautioned against the use of non-conformist dress codes as part of the celebration.

A new wig with the handle @lipsdripping was cautioned for adorning her wig and gown properly.

According to the handler of the NBA Twitter account, ”A barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria do (sic) not adorn the wig and gown in this manner, whatever the occasion may be.”

Questions as to the priority of such action have generated heated conversation, albeit, with a background celebratory mood and congratulations for the newly admitted Bar Men on trousers, and skits.

While some traditional legal practitioners have joined the NBA in its call based on the obtainable

dress code expected for legal practitioners, other legal practitioners of a liberal mindset see no wrong in the action.

Key questions for consideration would include: – Is a Bar Applicant, yet to be called to the Nigerian Bar, subject to the dress code rules of legal practitioners?

– Does a photo session, done with the primary intent of evidencing memory and celebration, undermine the ethics and standards expected of legal practitioners?

– Should the code of conduct and dress code for legal practitioners be so stringently considered for a momentary photo session?

– Would the LPDC have the jurisdictional competence to hear and determine issues of ‘practitioner’s impropriety’ where the said improper action was done before the Call to Bar