Nigeria’s legal profession is on the brink of a major transformation following the transmission of a new Legal Practitioners Bill to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The proposed legislation introduces far-reaching reforms aimed at modernising legal practice in Nigeria, strengthening ethical conduct, improving accountability, and expanding access to justice.
Legal industry stakeholders have welcomed the move as a long-overdue intervention that could redefine the future of the Nigerian Bar.
Strengthening Ethics and Accountability in Legal Practice
According to Rilwan Idris, Managing Partner of Transadvisory Legal—who was recently recognised as Managing Partner of the Year (Small Practice) and Rising Star at the 2025 My ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards—the bill represents a timely response to longstanding concerns within the profession.
“The proposed legislation’s focus on enforcing higher ethical standards, enhancing accountability, and expanding access to justice is laudable and aligns with the aspirations of legal professionals and the public,” Idris stated.
One of the most significant provisions of the bill is the establishment of a Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee with enhanced powers to investigate and sanction professional misconduct. This move is expected to improve transparency, restore public confidence, and reinforce the integrity of the legal profession.
Two-Year Post-Admission Internship and Practising Licences
A major structural reform introduced by the bill is the proposed two-year post-admission legal internship (pupillage). Under this system, newly called lawyers will undergo structured practical training before becoming fully independent practitioners. This is designed to bridge the persistent gap between legal theory and courtroom or commercial practice.
The bill also introduces the requirement for practising licences for lawyers, a shift that aligns Nigeria with international best practices. Practising licences will help regulate the profession more effectively and ensure that only duly qualified and compliant practitioners are actively engaged in legal practice.
Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Another key reform is the introduction of compulsory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for all members of the Nigerian Bar. This move aims to ensure that lawyers remain up-to-date with emerging legal trends, regulatory changes, and evolving global best practices.
Mandatory CPD is expected to improve service delivery, raise professional competence, and enhance Nigeria’s standing within the global legal community.
A New Chapter for the Nigerian Bar
If passed into law, the Legal Practitioners Bill could mark one of the most comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s legal profession in decades. By combining stricter ethical oversight, structured career development, licensing, and compulsory professional training, the bill seeks to create a more accountable, skilled, and globally competitive Bar.
Beyond professional regulation, the broader implication of these reforms lies in their potential to expand access to justice for the Nigerian public, ensuring higher service standards and stronger institutional trust.
Looking Ahead
As the bill progresses through the legislative process at the Senate, attention will now turn to stakeholder consultations, possible amendments, and ultimate implementation. For young lawyers, law firms, regulators, and clients alike, this proposed reform signals a turning point that could reshape the legal landscape for years to come.
Source Reference
This article is adapted from insights originally shared by LegalPSG on LinkedIn, featuring commentary by Rilwan Idris of Transadvisory Legal on Nigeria’s proposed Legal Practitioners Bill.
Original source: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/legalpsg_legalpractice-cpd-pupillage-activity-7399822897068019712-xkyM
