Senior judicial officers have charged legal practitioners across the country to remain steadfast in upholding ethics, professionalism and integrity, while also embracing technological innovation as a means of safeguarding the future of legal practice in Nigeria.
The call was made on Saturday in Kano during the maiden symposium organised by Nureini Jimoh (SAN) Chambers. The event formed part of activities marking the commissioning of the firm’s new office complex. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the symposium brought together serving and retired judges, senior advocates and other key stakeholders in the justice sector.
The programme was held under the theme, “The Future of Legal Practice in Nigeria: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities.”
Chairman of the occasion, Justice Abdu Aboki, JSC (Rtd), described the symposium as both timely and necessary, noting that the legal profession is currently positioned at a crossroads between long-standing traditions and emerging innovations. He stressed the importance of stronger cooperation between the bench and the bar, describing both as inseparable partners in the administration of justice.
Justice Aboki commended the strong turnout of senior judicial figures and legal practitioners, saying their participation demonstrated a shared commitment to mentorship, ethical values and the grooming of the next generation of lawyers.
Delivering a presentation, Justice Tijjani Abubakar of the Supreme Court said digital transformation has become a defining element of modern legal practice. He pointed to developments such as electronic filing, virtual court proceedings, electronic service and digital cause lists as essential tools for improving efficiency. According to him, technological competence is now an ethical and professional requirement for lawyers, warning that the Nigerian Bar must adapt or risk falling behind.
Justice Abubakar also highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence in legal research, drafting and data analysis, urging courts and lawyers to prepare for AI-generated evidence and automated decision-support systems. However, he cautioned that technology should complement, not replace, human judgment, stressing the need for clear ethical guidelines in the use of AI.
He further identified the expansion of cross-border legal services, driven by global trade and digital transactions, as a key trend, urging Nigerian lawyers to align their practice with international standards. The justice also noted the increasing relevance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation and online dispute resolution, describing ADR knowledge as critical for lawyers to remain relevant.
On challenges confronting the profession, Justice Abubakar expressed concern over declining ethical standards, unprofessional behaviour, unethical client solicitation and delays in justice delivery. He warned that professionalism must never be treated as optional, stressing that integrity remains central to public trust in the justice system.
Also speaking, Justice Habeeb Abiru of the Supreme Court said the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the urgent need for innovation within the legal profession and the justice delivery framework. He observed that unethical practices have continued to erode public confidence, warning that once trust is lost, the entire profession is placed at risk.
Justice Abiru called for a comprehensive review of legal education, expressing concern over the growing number of newly qualified lawyers in an economy that is struggling to absorb them. He attributed some ethical challenges in the profession to deficiencies in legal training, language proficiency and practical skills.
He, however, identified emerging opportunities in areas such as data protection, sports law and technology-driven legal services, encouraging lawyers to adapt to evolving business models and diversify their areas of practice.
In her remarks, Justice Olasumbo Goodluck of the Court of Appeal emphasised the need for strict adherence to ethical standards as a means of strengthening the justice system.
Convener of the symposium, Mr Nureini Jimoh, SAN, reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives that promote ethics, professionalism and sustainable development within the legal profession. He announced that the symposium would become an annual event, adding that a quarterly lecture series would also be introduced to encourage continuous engagement on issues affecting legal practice and to contribute meaningfully to society.