LEGAL PRACTITIONERS PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE IN NIGERIA – (LPPC)

ESTABLISHMENT

         The Committee is established by Section 5(3) of the LPA (Legal Practitioners Act). 

FUNCTIONS

1.   Conferment of the rank of SAN on legal practitioners of not less than 10 years post call who have achieved distinction in the legal profession.

2.   Making rules as to obligations and privileges to be conferred on SANs as well as restrictions and mode of appearance to ensure the dignity of the rank of SAN. 

3.   The SAN (Privileges and Functions) Rules, 1979 were made by the Committee and conferred the following privileges on SAN:

a.    The exclusive right to sit at the Inner Bar or Front Row.

b.    The right to mention a cause on the list for mention out of turn.

c.    The right to wear silk gown.

WAYS TO BECOME A SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA

AS SET OUT BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA IN JULY 1990

1.   The applicant shall furnish to the Committee or the Chairman 15 copies of his application attaching –

a.    Particulars of at least six cases in which he appeared before the Supreme Court within the last 3 years preceding the date of his application or

b.    Particulars of two contested cases at the Supreme Court and at least four contested cases at the Court of Appeal, or

c.    One contested case at the Supreme Court, four contested cases at the Court of Appeal and at least six contested at the High Courts.

2.   The Federal Attorney General, if not already a SAN shall be made a SAN unless the Committee thinks he is not a fit and proper person.

3.   In exceptional circumstances, academic Members of the profession who have distinguished themselves through teaching and/or published works by making substantial contributions in the field of law and jurisprudence.  Particulars and copies of such works should be supplied.

4.   All former Queen’s Counsel who applied shall be conferred with the rank.

5.   Partners in Chambers who severally satisfy all the criteria are eligible, but not associates or salaried juniors.

6.   In addition to forensic excellence, an applicant shall furnish evidence of:

a.    Good law office with good library and

b.    Having at least two junior legal practitioners and staff in his Law Office.

7.   Good character and reputation, honesty, integrity, ability and sound knowledge of the law.

8.   Successful practice at the Bar, satisfactory presentation of cases in Court and high standard in the profession.

9.   Finally respect for the Code of Conduct and etiquette at the Bar and loyalty to the profession.

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE

1.   The Chief Justice of Nigeria. (Chairman)

2.   The Federal Attorney General.

3.   One Justice of the Supreme Court.

4.   President of the Court of Appeal.

5.   Five Chief Judges of State High Courts.

6.   The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

7.   Five Legal Practitioners who are SANs.

Please note that the Chief Justice of Nigeria in consultation with the Federal Attorney General appoints numbers 3, 5 and 7 above.

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