Senior Advocate Urges Young Lawyers to Uphold Ethical Standards in Legal Practice
In a compelling address to emerging legal professionals, Usman Ogwu Sule, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Principal Partner of U.O. Sule SAN & Co., emphasized the critical importance of ethical conduct for young lawyers. Speaking at a recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) event, Sule warned that the future credibility of Nigeria’s legal system hinges on the integrity of its next generation of practitioners.
The Foundation of Legal Ethics
During his presentation titled ‘Ethical Standards of a Young Lawyer’ at the NBA Abuja Branch’s Young Lawyers Forum Professional Development Scheme, Sule framed professional ethics as both a legal requirement and moral imperative. “Adherence to ethics isn’t optional,” he stated firmly, “it’s the bedrock upon which our entire justice system stands.”
The senior lawyer systematically outlined how Nigeria’s Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) and Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) establish clear expectations for legal professionals. These include:
- Unwavering honesty in all professional dealings
- Diligent representation of clients’ interests
- Strict maintenance of client confidentiality
- Absolute loyalty to the administration of justice
Supreme Court Precedent on Professional Integrity
Sule reinforced his argument with judicial authority, citing the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in NBA v. Kehinde (2017). “The apex court made it abundantly clear,” he noted, “that integrity isn’t just desirable in our profession – it’s essential. Any lawyer lacking this fundamental virtue has no place in the temple of justice.”
Quoting directly from the RPC, Sule reminded attendees: “A lawyer shall uphold and observe the rule of law, promote and foster the course of justice, maintain a high standard of professional conduct, and shall not engage in any conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”
Practical Measures for Professionalism
Moving beyond theoretical principles, Sule highlighted specific practical measures young lawyers should adopt. He particularly emphasized the mandatory use of NBA stamps and seals on court documents. “This isn’t mere bureaucracy,” he explained, “it’s a vital safeguard that maintains the authenticity of legal processes and protects the profession’s integrity.”
The training session, held at Sule’s law firm over the weekend, formed part of the NBA Abuja Branch’s ongoing efforts to equip new lawyers with both technical skills and ethical grounding. The ‘Towards Better Performance’ theme reflected the branch’s commitment to professional excellence.
The Ripple Effect of Ethical Practice
Sule concluded with a broader perspective on how individual ethical conduct impacts the entire justice system. “When young lawyers maintain high standards,” he observed, “they don’t just protect their own reputations – they strengthen public confidence in our entire legal framework. This becomes especially crucial as Nigeria works to enhance its justice delivery system.”
The event attracted numerous young legal practitioners from across Abuja, many of whom described the session as transformative in their understanding of professional responsibilities. Several participants noted they would implement Sule’s recommendations immediately in their daily practice.
For more details on this story, read the original report at The Guardian Nigeria.