It is imperative for Legal Practitioners to dress appropriately in a manner that promotes respect for the Legal Profession as well as enhance the dignity of Nigerian Courts. It is against this backdrop that the Hon. Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice I. U. Bello views with great concern, increasing cases of improper dressing by lawyers appearing before the Court in recent times.

The attention of all Legal Practitioners appearing before the Courts in the FCT is hereby drawn to the ambiguous provisions of Rule 6 (b) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for the Legal Profession 2007 as follow;

while the court is in session, a lawyer should not assume an undignified posture, and should not, without the judge’s permission, remove his wig and gown in the courtroom. He should always be attired in a proper and dignified manner, and abstain from apparel or ornament calculated to attract attention to himself.

For the avoidance of doubt, the approved attire is as follows;

MALE LAWYERS:

Dark suits (preferable black), white shirts (winged collar or white detachable collars) and a white bib, black socks and black shoes, stripped black trousers may be worn.

FEMALE LAWYERS

White blouse, dark jacket (preferably black) and black skirts, covering knees (dark suit) and black shoes are to be worn with white collarette and bib. there should be no embroidery and trimmings of any type, and only moderate jewelry.

In both cases counsel  shall wear also, a wig and Barristers’ Gown and refrain from any other apparel not specifically mentioned above or provided by any regulation made by the Bar Council or the Body of Benchers. As of today, the foregoing remains the only mode of dressing approved for lawyers appearing before superior courts of record in Nigeria.

TAKE NOTICE therefore that any lawyer who fails or neglects to comply may not be granted right of audience henceforth in the High Court of the FCT.

Sign:

Babangida Hassan (Chief Registrar, High Court of the FCT)

For: Hon. Chief Judge