RE-ASSESSING THE NIGERIAN LEGAL PROFESSION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: A CRY FOR URGENT REFORMS

Abstract

The legal profession is understood, in most jurisdictions, as the profession or body of professionals and judges that practice law and also of the paralegals that support the professionals. The 21st Century has drive revolutionary changes in the practice of law through electronic technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and modernisation thereby redefining legal skills, educational qualifications and ethical standards in legal practice. Relying on the doctrinal method, the paper traced the history of the legal profession in Nigeria and recognised the pivotal role of the Nigeria Bar Association in shaping practice and entrenching justice. The paper found that modern practice of law continued to be plagued by ethical issues. The paper noted that electronic technology, though impactful, could be misleading when used as a research tool, especially where generative AI is involved. Recognising the foreign origin of legal practice, the paper further noted the need to overhaul the legal profession to reflect modern realities and to give it a domestic appeal. The paper concluded by making recommendation on how to resolve the challenges in the practice of the profession in respect of respect for professional conduct and observance of orderliness through respect for seniority.