Legal Practitioners Act Cap. L11 LFN 2004 (Repeal and Re

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ABILLFORANACTTOREPEALTHELEGALPRACTITIONERSACTCAPL11,LAWSOFTHEFEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004 AND RE-ENACT THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ACT TOPROVIDEFORREFORMSANDREGULATETHELEGALPROFESSIONANDFORSUCHOTHERMATTERSCONNECTEDTHEREWITH(SB.815)Sponsoredby:SenatorMichaelOpeyemiBamidele(EkitiCentralSenatorialDistrict) ( ) CommencementBEITENACTEDbytheNationalAssemblyoftheFederalRepublicofNigeriaasfollows:- PARTA-GENERAL BODYOFBENCHERS1.(1)ThereshallbeaBodyCorporatewithperpetualsuccessionandacommonsealmadeupofLegalPractitionersof thehighestdistinction in the legal profession inNigeria tobeknownas theBodyofBenchers.(2)ThepowersoftheBodyofBenchersshallinclude:

(a) CalltotheBarofeligiblecandidates;

(b) Takingallmeasures(whetherbymakingregulationspursuanttothepowersconferredonitbythissectionorotherwisehowsoever)whichappeartoittobenecessaryorexpedientformaintainingatalltimesthetraditionalvaluesandwellbeingofthelegalprofession;and

(c) Theexerciseofdisciplinaryjurisdictionovermembersofthelegalprofession.

(3)TheBodyofBenchersshallbemadeupofthefollowingmembers:

(a) TheChiefJusticeofNigeria;(b) AlltheJusticesoftheSupremeCourt;(c) ThePresidentoftheCourtofAppeal;(d) LifeBenchers(e) TheAttorneyGeneraloftheFederation;(f) ThePresidentoftheNigerianBarAssociation;(g) ThePresidingJusticesoftheCourtofAppealDivisions;(h) TheChairmanoftheCouncilofLegalEducation;

TheNigerialawyer (c) Copyright

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(i) TheChiefJudgeoftheFederalHighCourt;(j) ThePresidentoftheNationalIndustrialCourt;(k) TheChiefJudgeoftheHighCourtoftheFederalCapitalTerritory,Abuja;(l) TheChiefJudgesoftheStatesoftheFederation;(m) TheAttorneysGeneraloftheStatesoftheFederation;(n) PresidentoftheSenate(whereheisalawyer);(o) SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives(whereheisalawyer);(p) TheChairmanoftheSenateCommitteeonJudiciary(whereheisalawyer);(q) TheChairmanoftheHouseCommitteeonJudiciary(Whereheisalawyer);(r) 30 (Thirty) Legal Practitioners nominated by the National Executive Committee of the

NigerianBarAssociationwithaminimumof15years’postcall;Five(5)ofwhomshallbeLawTeachers;

(s) Suchnumberofpersons,notexceeding10(ten),whoappeartotheBodyofBencherstobeeminentmembersoftheLegalProfessioninNigeriaofnotlessthan15(fifteen)yearspostcallstanding,nominatedbytheChairman,BodyofBenchers.

(4)TheBodyofBenchersshallmakeregulations-

(a) providing for amodification in themembership of the Body of Benchers as set out insubsection(3)ofthissectionandthequalificationsforandconditionsapplicabletosuchmembership;

(b) providingforthetenureofofficeofBenchersincludingtheconfermentoflifemembershiponanyBencher;

(c) providing for the appointment of persons of distinction in any country as honorarymembersoftheBodyofBenchersandtheconditionsapplicabletosuchappointment;

(d) providing for the composition and quorum of the Benchers for the purpose of theexercise of any of the functions conferred on the Benchers under this Act and fordetermining in connection theretoof anymatterwhich, in theopinionof theBenchers,requirestobedetermined;and

(e) providing, either generally or in respect of anyparticular case, for thedischargeof the

functionsconferredontheBenchersunderthisAct.

(5) Any Benchermay in suchmanner and subject to such procedure asmay be prescribed beremovedfromofficeformisconductoronsuchothergroundastheBenchersmay, intheirdiscretiondetermine.(6) The Benchers shall meet at such times, at the Benchers Hall and/or places that may be


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convenient for them and may, in such manner as they think fit, prescribe the procedure for theirmeetings.(7)ThevalidityofanyproceedingsoftheBodyofBenchersshallnotbeaffectedbyanyvacancyinthemembershipoftheBodyorbyanydefectintheappointmentofamemberorbyanyirregularityinsuchproceedings.(8)ThedisciplinarypowersconferredontheBodyofBenchersundersubsection(2)(c)ofsection1shallbeexercisedinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribedbyrulesmadebytheBodyofBenchers.

Members’Tenure2. (1)AnymemberoftheBodyofBencherswhosemembershipisbyvirtueofofficeceasestobeaBencherimmediatelyheleavestheofficeentitlinghimtobeamemberoftheBodyofBenchers.(2)OtherMembersremaininofficefor3yearsinthefirstinstance,butmaybere-appointedforanothertermof3yearsonly.(3)PresentandPastChiefJusticesofNigeriaareLifeBenchers.(4)AMemberwhoservesintheBodyconsistently,conscientiouslyandmeritoriouslyforaperiodof5consecutiveyearsbecomeseligibletobeappointedaLifeBencher,providedthereisavacancy.

(5)TheBodyofBenchersmaymakerulesproviding,amongotheritems,forthe:

(a)AppointmentofaChairmanandotherofficersandforsuccessiontotheoffices;(b)RemovalofaBencherformisconduct;(c)Conveningofmeetings;(d)LicensingofLegalPractitioners;(e)DisciplineofLegalPractitioners;(f)TenureandquorumofLegalPractitioners’DisciplinaryCommittee;(g)AppointmentofHonoraryBenchersfromotherjurisdictions;(h)Compositionandquorumforspecificassignments.


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(6)ThequorumoftheBodyofBenchersforgeneralbusinessis30.(7)ThevalidityofanyproceedingsoftheBodyofBenchersshallnotbevitiatedbyanyvacancyinitsmembershiporanydefectintheappointmentofamember.

OFFICEOFTHESECRETARYANDSECRETARIATFORTHEBODYOFBENCHERS

Secretary:FunctionsandQualification

3.(1)ThereshallbeestablishedfortheBody,theofficeofaSecretarywhoshallhaveacareerserviceandshallbeappointedbytheBodyofBenchers.(2)TheSecretaryshallbe:

(a) TheheadoftheSecretariatandshallberesponsiblefortheexecutionofpoliciesandthedaytodayrunningoftheaffairsoftheBody;

(b) ALegalPractitionerwithacareerserviceofnotlessthan10yearspostcallexperience;

(c) The Chief Accounting Officer, shall keep all financial records and render FinancialAccounting Returns to the Accountant General of the Federation and to the Body ofBenchers;

(d) ResponsiblefortheadministrationoftheSecretariat,keepingofthebooksandrecordsoftheBodyandperformsuchotherdutiesandfunctionsastheChairmanmayfromtimetotimedirect;

(e) SubjecttothesupervisionandcontroloftheChairmanandtheBody;

(f) Prudentincollectionandexpenditureofallrevenue;

(g) ResponsibleforpreparinganddefendingtheAnnualbudgetoftheBody;

(h) InchargeofalltheCommitteesoftheBody;

(i) Responsible for IssuanceofNoticeofMeetingsof theBodyofBenchersandCommitteeMeetings;

(j) ResponsibleforsupervisingandoverseeingthearrangementsforCalltoBarceremoniesandLawdinners;

(k) ResponsibleforcarryingoutandimplementingtheResolutionspassedbytheBodyfrom


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time to time and also be responsible for carrying out and executing such otherinstructionsanddirectivesasmaybegiventohimbytheBodyoritsChairman;and

(l) MaintainarecordoftherollofLegalPractitionersinNigeria.

StaffoftheBody4.(1)TheBodyshallhavepowerstoappointsuchnumberofpersonsasitdeemsnecessaryasstaffoftheBody.(2)Theschemeofserviceobtainableinthejudiciaryandpublicserviceshallbeapplicabletothestaff.(3)TheBodyofBenchersmaymakestaffregulationsrelatinggenerallytotheconditionsofserviceoftheemployeesoftheBodyandwithoutprejudicetothegeneralityoftheforegoingsuchregulationsmay provide for the appointment, promotion and disciplinary control (including dismissal) of anyemployee.

FinancialProvision

5.(1)TheBodyshallbedulyfundedandoperatewithinnormalbudgetaryallocationasmaybemadetoitbytheFederalGovernmentthroughtheNationalJudicialCouncil.

Powertoacceptgifts

(2)TheBodyofBenchersmayacceptgiftsofmoneyormovableor immoveablepropertyuponsuchtermsandconditionasmaybeprescribedbytheBody.

(3)TheBodyofBenchersshallnotacceptanygiftiftheconditionsattachedtheretobythepersonor organization making the gift to the acceptance thereof are inconsistent with or inimical to thefunctionsoftheBodyofBenchers.(4)TheBodyofBenchersmay,subjecttoanytrustcreatedinrespectofanyproperty,investitsfundsincludinganyofitssurplusfundsinanysecuritiesasmaybeapprovedbytheBodyofBenchers.

CompositionandProceedingsofBarCouncil

6. (1)ThereshallbeabodytobeknownastheGeneralCouncilof theBar(hereinafter inthisActreferredtoas"theBarCouncil")whichshallbechargedwiththegeneralmanagementoftheaffairsoftheNigerianBarAssociation(subjecttoanylimitationsforthetimebeingprovidedbytheconstitution


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oftheassociation)andwithanyfunctionsconferredonthecouncilbythisActorthatconstitution.(2)TheBarCouncilshallconsistof-(a)theAttorney-GeneraloftheFederation,whoshallbethepresidentofthecouncil;(b)theAttorneys-GeneraloftheStates;and(c)twentymembersoftheassociation.

(3)Thepersonsmentionedinparagraph(c)ofsubsection(2)ofthissectionshall-

(a) be elected to serve on the Bar Council at elections in which all members of theassociationareentitledtovoteinsuchmannerasmaybeprovidedbytheconstitutionoftheassociation;and

(b) holdofficeforsuchperiodasmaybedeterminedbyorunderthatconstitution,andnotlessthansevenofthosepersonsshallbelegalpractitionersofnotlessthantenyearsstanding.

(4)The quorum of the Bar Council shall be eight, and the councilmaymake standing ordersregulatingtheprocedureofthecounciland,subjecttotheprovisionsofanysuchorders,mayregulateits own proceedings; and no proceedings of the council shall be invalidated by any vacancy in themembershipof thecouncil, orby the fact thatanyperson tookpart in theproceedingswhowasnotentitledtodoso.

InnerBarandDocketPriority7.(1)AllCourtsshallaccordtotheofficerslistedinsubsection(2)theprivilegeslistedinsubsection(3).

(2)Theofficers are theAttorneyGeneral of theFederation,AttorneysGeneral of States, SeniorAdvocatesofNigeria,LifeBenchers,PresidentoftheNigerianBarAssociation,SolicitorGeneraloftheFederationandSolicitorsGeneraloftheStates.

(3)Theprivilegesare:

(a) TheprivilegetositintheInnerBarorfrontrowsoftheseatsavailableinCourtsforLegalPractitioners;


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(b) Without prejudice to the priority of criminal and human rights cases, the privilege to

mentiontheircasesoutofturn.

PracticeasaLegalPractitioner8.(1)ApersonisentitledtopracticeasaLegalPractitioneronlyifhisnameisontheRolloftheLegalPractitionerskeptattheSupremeCourtofNigeriaandhehasmetalltheconditionsforpracticesetoutinthisActandanyrulesmadebytheBodyofBenchers.(2)ForthepurposesofthisActandanyotherenactmentrelatingtotheentitlementofanypersontopracticelawinNigeria,theterms‘practiceof law’andthe‘provisionoflegalservices’shall includetheprovisionofadviceon,and/ortheapplicationof,legalprinciplesandjudgmenttothecircumstancesofanypersonwhorequirestheknowledgeandskillofapersontrainedinthelaw.(3)Forthepurposesofthissection:

(a) Person’includesthepluralaswellasthesingularanddenotesanindividualoranylegalorcommercialentity;

(b) “Adjudicative body” includes a court, a mediator, an arbitrator or a legislative body,administrativeagencyorotherbodyactinginanadjudicativecapacity.Alegislativebody,administrative agency or other body acts in an adjudicative capacity when a neutralofficial, after the presentation of evidence or legal argument by a party or parties,willrenderabindinglegaljudgmentdirectlyaffectingaparty’sinterestsina particularmatter.

(4)Thepracticeoflawandtheprovisionoflegalservices:

(a) inNigeria;(b) inrelationtomattersofNigerianlaw;or(c) inrelationtodisputesortransactionswithsubstantialnexustoNigeria,shallbecarried

ononlybypersonsentitledtopracticelawinNigeria. (5)Apersonispresumedtobepracticinglaworprovidinglegalserviceswhenengagingin anyofthefollowingconductonbehalfofanother:


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(a) givingadviceorcounseltopersonsastotheirlegalrightsorresponsibilitiesortothoseofothers;

(b) selecting,drafting,or completing legaldocumentsoragreements thataffect the legal

rightsofaperson;(c) representing a person before an adjudicative body, including, but not limited to,

preparingorfilingdocumentsorconductingdiscovery;or(d) negotiatinglegalrightsorresponsibilitiesonbehalfofaperson.

(6) Notwithstandingtheprovisionsabove,thefollowingarepermittedwhetherthey constitutethepracticeoflawornot:

(a) Proserepresentation;

(b) Servingasarbitrator,mediator,conciliatororexpertdeterminer;and

(c) trainee law students working under the direct supervision of persons entitled topracticelawinNigeriainstrictcompliancewiththeRulesofProfessionalConduct.

EligibilityfortheBar

9.AcandidateiseligibletobecalledtotheBarifthecandidatesatisfiestheBodyofBenchersthat:

(a) TheCouncilofLegalEducationhasissuedaQualifyingCertificatetothecandidate;(b) Thecandidateisofgoodcharacter;and(c) ThecandidatehassatisfiedallprescribedconditionsbytheBodyofBenchers.

CertificateofCallandEnrolment

10.TheBodyofBenchersshallissuetoeverypersoncalledtotheBaraCertificate.11.TheChiefRegistraroftheSupremeCourtshallenroleverypersonwhopresentstohimaCertificateofCalltotheBarissuedtothatperson.


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Pupilages

12.(1)EverypersoncalledtotheNigerianBarshallundergoamandatorypupilageforoneyear.(2)AnypersonwhohasnotundertakenthemandatoryoneyearpupilageshallnotbeentitledtocommencepracticeasaLegalPractitioner.(3) The Body of Benchers shall make regulations and set up the criteria for the conduct ofpupilagefornewentrantstotheBar.(4)TheBodyofBenchersshalldevelopandmaintainapupilageHandbookwhichshallamongothersdealwiththestructureanddurationofthepupilageprogramme,fairtreatmentandselectionofpupils, duties, training and responsibilities of pupil supervisors, support and advise for pupils,complaintsproceduresandremunerationofthepupil.(5)TheBodyofBenchersshallhaveadivisionresponsibleforpupilageprogrammeandshallhave qualified Legal Practitioners as pupil supervisors. Participation and contribution as pupilsupervisorwillbeoneofthecriteriaforconfermentoflegalpractitioners’privilegesunderthisAct.(6)ThecommencementofthissectionshallbeuponissuanceofappropriaterulesbytheBodyofBenchers.

InspectionandAccreditation

13. It shall be the responsibility of the Body of Benchers to set standards for law offices of LegalPractitionersinNigeria.

PracticingLicence:

14.(1)SubjecttotheRegulationsfromtimetotimemadebytheBodyofBenchers,apersonwhosenameisontheRollshallbeentitledtopracticeasalegalpractitionerprovidedthatbeforeofferinganyformof legal service, he obtains a practicing licence from theBody of Benchers certifying that he isentitledtopracticeasalegalpractitioneraccordingtotheprovisionsofthisSection.(2) The practicing licence shall be issued or renewed at intervals prescribed under theregulationsmadefromtimetotimebytheBodyofBenchers.(3) The practicing licence shall be issued or renewed by the Body of Benchers upon beingsatisfiedthattheapplicanthas:


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(a) ObtainedtherequirednumberofcreditsunderamandatorycontinuinglegaleducationschemeadministeredorapprovedbytheNigerianBarAssociation;

(b) Paid annualpracticing fees stipulated in thisAct for theyear the application ismade;

and(c) SatisfiedtheBodyofBenchersthatheisapersonofgoodcharacter;

(4)Itshallbeunlawfulforanypersonwithoutavalidlicence:

(a) toactinanywayortopresenthimselforherselfbeforeanycourt,TribunalorArbitratorasalegalpractitioner;

(b) inanywayasalegalpractitionerorholdhimselfoutassuchwhenheisnot,includingpreparing and or signing or filing any Contract, memorandum, deed, will, lease,assignment,powerofattorney,mortgage,titledeed,notice,warrant,bond,legalopinion,affidavitoranyotherdocumentwhatsoever.

StampandSeal

15. (1) Every document of the type referred to in subsection (4) of section 13 signedby a legalpractitionerinhisorhercapacityassuch,andwhichpurportstoaffecttherights, interests,estateorliabilityofanypersonshallbeevidencedbyaffixingastampandsealtobeissuedtoindividualLegalPractitionersbytheBodyofBenchers.(2)TheBodyofBenchers shall constitutea standing committee to issueand renew licences,stampsandsealsandimplementtheRegulationsmadepursuanttoSection13oftheLPA.

ForeignLawyersRulestoAllowPracticebyForeignLawyers

16. TheChief Justice ofNigeriamay, after consultationwith theBody of Benchers, by regulationsprovidefortheenrolmentofthenamesofpersonswhoareauthorisedbylawtopractiseasmembersofthe legal profession in any countrywhere, in his opinion, personswhose names are on the Roll areafforded special facilities forpractising asmembersof thatprofession; and,withoutprejudice to thegenerality of the power conferred by the foregoing provisions of this section. The regulations mayrequirepersonsseekingenrolmentbyvirtueof theregulationstopasssuchexaminationsandtopaysuchfeesasmaybespecifiedbyorundertheregulations.


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RollofLegalPractitioners17.ItshallbethedutyoftheChiefRegistraroftheSupremeCourttocontinuetomaintaintheRolloflegalpractitionerskeptintheSupremeCourt.

RepealandSavings

18. ThisAct repeals the Legal PractitionersAct, CAPL11, Lawsof the Federation ofNigeria, 2004,RevisedEdition.

Interpretation19. In this Act the following terms have the meanings respectively assigned to them, unless thecontextrequiresotherwise:

“Attorney-General” means Attorney-General of the Federation and Attorneys General ofStates;

“BarCouncil”meanstheGeneralCounciloftheBar;

“Client”includesanypersontowhomaLegalPractitionerprovidesLegalservices;

“Foreignlawyer”meansapersonentitledtopractiselawinaforeignjurisdiction;

“FormerAct”meanstheLegalPractitionersAct2004asamended;

“functions”includesdutiesandpowers;“him”includesfemalegenderandviceversa;

“instrument” in relation to immovable property, means any document which confers,transfers,limitsandchargesorextinguishesanyinterestinthepropertyorwhichpurportstodoso;“LegalPractice”“legalpractitioner”meansapersonwhosenameisontheRollofLegalPractitionerskeptattheSupremeCourtofNigeria;


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“NBA” referencing to NBA, Nigerian Bar Association and Association includes IncorporatedTrusteeoftheNigerianBarAssociationoranyotherBodyincorporatedforthegovernanceandmanagementoftheLegalProfession;

“Prescribed”meansbyregulationsmadebytheBodyofBenchers; “theRoll”meanstheRolloflegalpractitionersmaintainedunderSection16;

“SAN” means a legal practitioner who has been elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate ofNigeria;

“Solicitor-General”meanstheSolicitor-GeneraloftheFederationorofaState; “theft”meansstealingandincludesfraudulentconversionormisappropriation.

Citation21.(1)ThisBillmaybecitedastheLegalPractitionersAct,2021.

FirstSchedule

CommitteesoftheBodyofBenchers

1. (1) The Body of Benchers may establish such number of Committees from time to time for thepurposeofcarryingoutitsstatutoryduties.TheBodyshalldeterminethetermofreference,regulationsandmodeofappointment,tenure,quorumandmannerofmeetingsforeachCommittee.

(2)Forthetimebeing,theBodyshallhavethefollowingCommittees:

(A) Legal Practitioners Licensing Committee: The Licensing Committee shall amongstother thingsbechargedwith theresponsibilityof issuingandrenewing licenseswhichmayincludeissuingstampandsealstoalleligibleLawyerswhowishtopracticelawinNigeria.(B) Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee: The function of the Committee shallinclude theduty of considering anddetermining any casewhere it is alleged that a personwhoisamemberofthelegalprofessionhasmisbehavedinhiscapacityassuchorshouldforanyotherreasonbethesubjectofproceedingsunderthisAct.(c) Rules Committee: The function shall be to make and review Rules for the Body ofBenchers.


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(D)ScreeningCommittee:TheCommitteeshall,amongstotherthingsbechargedwiththeresponsibilityofscreeningaspirantstotheBartoensurethattheyarefitandproperpersonstobeadmittedintotheNigerianBar.(E) Finance Committee: The Committee shall amongst other things be responsible formanagingthefinancesoftheBodyofBenchersascontributedbystatutorymembers.(F)PublicityCommittee:ThefunctionoftheCommitteeshallbetoprojecttheimageoftheBodyofBenchers throughsuchprocesses includingbutnot limited topublications,websitemanagement,etc.(G)BenchersAppointmentCommittee:TheCommittee shall amongstother functions, beresponsible for theappointmentofBenchersandLifeBenchers toensure thatonlypersonswithprovenintegrityareappointedasBenchersandonlydeservingBenchersareconferredwiththestatusofLifemembership.(H)EthicsandComplianceCommittee:TheCommitteeshallberesponsibleamongstotherthings, for providing the framework for ethical conducts and behaviour ofmembers of theBodyofBenchers,particularlyduringMeetings,CalltoBarceremoniesandsuchotherofficialengagementsbytheBodyofBenchers.(I)MentoringandPupilageCommittee:TheCommitteeshallberesponsibleamongstotherthings for developing an effective mentoring and pupilage programme for the Body ofBenchers, identifying necessary programmes as well as recommending regulations whereneeded.(J) Recruitment, Promotion and Discipline Committee: The function of the Committeeincludes the recruitmentof senior staff for theBodyofBenchers aswell aspromotion anddisciplineofstaffwithintheorganization.(K) Elders Committee:The Elders Committee comprises of Past Chairmen of the Body ofBenchersand shallbe responsible amongstother things to advice theBodyofBenchersonmatterswhichaffectstheentireLegalProfessionaimedathavingaharmoniousandrespectedProfession.(L)LegalPractitionersPrivilegesCommittee:TheCommittee shall amongstother thingsbe responsible for the conferment on any deserving Legal Practitioner the Rank of SeniorAdvocateofNigeria.

ITEMA:LegalPractitionersLicensingCommittee

(1) ThereshallbeacommitteeoftheBodyofBencherstobeknownastheLegalPractitionersLicensing Committee (in theBill referred to as “the Licensing Committee”)which shall be


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charged with the duty of issuing and renewal of licence to eligible applicants into theNigerianBar.

(2) TheLicensingCommitteeshallconsistof:(a) TheViceChairman,BodyofBenchersasChairman;

(b) ThePresident,NigerianBarAssociation;

(c) Three(3)LifeBenchers;

(d) Two (2) Benchers nominated by the National Executive Committee of Nigerian Bar

Association;and

(e) SecretaryoftheBodyofBenchers,whoshallserveastheSecretaryoftheCommittee. ITEMB:TheRulesCommittee

(1) ThereshallbeaCommitteeoftheBodyofBencherstobeknownasTheRulesCommittee,whichshallbechargedwiththedutyofmakingandreviewingrulesoftheBodyofBenchersfromtimetotime.

(2) TheCommitteeshallconsistof:

(a) TheViceChairmanoftheBodyofBenchersastheChairman;

(b) ThePresidentoftheNigerianBarAssociation;

(c) Five(5)Benchers;and

(d) TheSecretaryoftheBodyofBenchersasSecretaryoftheCommittee.

ITEMC:LegalPractitionersDisciplinaryCommittee

(1)ThereshallbeaCommitteeoftheBodyofBencherstobeknownastheLegalPractitionersDisciplinaryCommittee(inthisBillreferredtoas“theDisciplinaryCommittee”)whichshallbechargedwiththedutyofconsideringanddetermininganycasewhereitisallegedthatapersonwhoisamemberofthelegalprofessionhasmisconductedhimselfinhiscapacityassuchorshouldforanyotherreasonbethesubjectofproceedingsunderthisBill.

(2)TheDisciplinaryCommitteeshallconsistof:

(a) a Chairman who shall not be either the Chief Justice of Nigeria or a Justice of the


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SupremeCourt;

(b) Two(2)JusticesoftheCourtofAppealoneofwhomshallbethePresidentandtheotheraPresidingJustice;

(c) Two(2)ChiefJudges;

(d) Two(2)Attorneys-General,whoshallbeeithertheAttorney-GeneraloftheFederationandtheAttorney–GeneralofaStateortwoStateAttorneys-General;and

(e) Four(4)membersof theAssociationwhoareBenchersandnotconnectedwitheithertheinvestigationofacomplaintorthedecisionbytheAssociationtopresentacomplaintagainstalegalpractitionerfordeterminationbytheDisciplinaryCommittee.

(f) Such additional number ofmembers of the Association as the Body of Benchersmaydeem fit to appoint for the purpose of the effective conduct of the business of theDisciplinaryCommittee.

(3) ThequorumoftheDisciplinaryCommitteeshallbethree,butnodecisionorproceedingof

theDisciplinaryCommitteewillberenderedinvalidonthegroundofquorumotherthanassetoutintheInterpretationAct.

(4) (a)TheBodyofBenchersshallmakerulesforthepurposesofanyproceedingsandastothe

proceduretobefollowedandtherulesofevidencetobeobservedinproceedingsbeforetheDisciplinaryCommittee.

(b)Therulesshallinparticularprovide:

i. Forsecuringthatnoticeoftheproceedingsshallbegiven,atsuchtimeandinsuchmannerasmaybespecifiedbytherules,tothepersonagainstwhomtheproceedingsarebrought;

ii.Fordeterminingwho,inadditiontothepersonaforesaid,shallbeapartytothe

proceedings;iii. For securing that any party to the proceedings shall, if he so requires, be

entitledtobeheardbytheDisciplinaryCommittee;iv. For enabling any party to the proceeding to be represented by a legal

practitioner;


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v.ThecostsofproceedingsbeforetheDisciplinaryCommittee;vi. For requiring, in a casewhere it is alleged that the person againstwhom the

proceedings are brought is guilty of infamous conduct in any professionalrespect,thatwheretheDisciplinaryCommitteeadjudgesthattheallegationhasnot beenproved it shall record a finding that theperson is not guilty of suchconductinrespectofthematterstowhichtheallegationrelates;

vii.ForpublishingintheFederalgazettenoticeofanydirectionoftheDisciplinary

Committee which has taken effect providing that a person’s name shall bestruckofftherollorthatapersonshallbesuspendedfrompractice.

(5) (a) A person appointed by the Body of Benchers to be a member of the Disciplinary

Committeeshallunlesshepreviouslyresigns,holdofficeforsuchterm,notexceedingthreeyears,asmaybespecifiedinhisinstrumentofappointment.

(b) A person ceasing to be a member of the Disciplinary Committee shall be eligible for

reappointmentasamemberoftheCommitteeforanothertermofthreeyears.(6) TheDisciplinaryCommitteemayactnotwithstandinganyvacancyinitsmembershipand

noproceedingsoftheDisciplinaryCommitteeshallbeinvalidatedbyanyirregularityintheappointmentofamember thereof,orbyreasonof the fact thatanypersonwhowasnotentitled to do so took part in the proceedings, or by virtue of any variation in thecompositionofthemembershipofthepanelinthecourseofproceedings.

(7) TheDisciplinaryCommitteemayempanelitsmemberstositindivisions.(8) Any document authorized or required by this Bill to be served on the Disciplinary

CommitteeshallbeservedontheSecretary,BodyofBenchers.

PENALTIESFORUNPROFESSIONALCONDUCTETC.

ITEMD:PenaltiesforUnprofessionalConduct,Etc.

(1) Where-

(a)A person who is a member of the legal profession is judged by the DisciplinaryCommitteetobeguiltyofinfamousconductinanyprofessionalrespect;or

(b)Apersonwhoisamemberofthelegalprofessionisconvicted,byanycourtinNigeria


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having power to award imprisonment, of an offence (whether or not an offencepunishablewithimprisonment)whichintheopinionoftheDisciplinaryCommitteeisincompatiblewiththestatusofalegalpractitioner;or

(c)The Disciplinary Committee is satisfied that the name of any person has been

fraudulently enrolled, the Disciplinary Committee, may, if it thinks fit, give adirection-

(i)OrderingtheRegistrartostrikethatperson'snameofftheRoll;or(ii) Suspending that person from practice by ordering him not to engage inpracticeasalegalpractitionerforsuchperiodasmaybespecifiedinthedirection;or

(iii)Admonishingthatperson,and any such directionmay,where appropriate, include provision requiring therefundofmoneyspaidorthehandingoverofdocumentsoranyotherthingasthecircumstancesofthecasemayrequire.

(2) WhereapersonwhosenameisontheRoll is judgedbytheDisciplinaryCommitteetobeguilty of misconduct not amounting to infamous conduct which, in the opinion of theDisciplinary Committee, is incompatible with the status of a legal practitioner, theDisciplinary Committee may, if it thinks fit, give such a direction as is authorized byParagraph 1 (c) (ii) or (iii) of ItemD of Schedule 1; and any such directionmay,whereappropriate,includeprovisionrequiringtherefundofmoneyspaidorthehandingoverofdocumentsoranyotherthing,asthecircumstancesofthecasemayrequire.

(3) TheDisciplinaryCommitteemay,ifitthinksfit,deferorfurtherdeferitsdecisionastothe

givingofadirectionunderParagraphs1and2ofItemDofSchedule1untilasubsequentmeetingoftheCommittee.

(4) It shall be the duty of the Bar Council tomake rules from time to time on professional

conduct in the legal profession and cause such rules to be published in the FederalGovernmentGazetteanddistributedtoallthebranchesoftheAssociation.

(5) Forthepurposesofparagraph1ofItemDofSchedule1,apersonshallnotbetreatedas

convicted asmentioned inParagraph1(b)of ItemDof Schedule1unless the convictionstandsatatimewhennoappealorfurtherappealispendingormay(withoutextensionoftime)bebroughtinconnectionwiththeconviction.

(6) When theDisciplinaryCommitteegivesadirectionunderParagraph1orParagraph2of

ItemDofSchedule1,theDisciplinaryCommitteeshallcausenoticeofthedirectiontobeservedonthepersontowhomitrelatesandsubmittotheBodyofBenchersareportonitsfindingswhichresultedintheissuanceofthenotice.


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(7) ThepersontowhomsuchaDirectionrelatesmay,atanytimewithin28daysfromthedate

of serviceonhimofnoticeof thedirection, appeal against theDirection to the SupremeCourt;andtheDisciplinaryCommitteemayappearasrespondenttotheappealand,forthepurposeofenablingDirectionstobegivenastothecostsoftheappealandofproceedingsbeforetheDisciplinaryCommittee,shallbedeemedtobeapartytheretowhetherornotitappearsonthehearingoftheappeal.

(8) ADirectionoftheDisciplinaryCommitteeunderParagraph1orParagraph2ofItemDof

Schedule1shalltakeimmediateeffect.(9) WhereaDirectionisgivenunderParagraph1or2ofItemDofSchedule1fortherefundof

moneyspaidorthehandingoverofdocumentsoranyotherthingandwithin28daysofthedateofthedirection(orwhereanappealisbrought,onthedismissaloftheappeal)andthelegalpractitioner fails tocomplywiththedirection, theDisciplinaryCommitteemaydealwith the case as one involving misconduct by the legal practitioner in his professionalcapacity.

(10) where a Direction given under paragraph 1 or 2 of Item D of Schedule 1 and such a

DirectionisaffirmedbytheSupremeCourt,suchDirectionoftheSupremeCourtshallbepublishedbytheBodyofBenchersintheFederalGovernmentGazzetteandcopiesshallbeissuedtotheChiefJusticeofNigerian,PresidentoftheCourtofAppeal,ChiefJudgeoftheFederal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court, Chief Judges of States,AttorneyGeneraloftheFederation,AttorneysGeneralofStates,NigerianBarAssociation,InspectorGeneralofPolice,NigerianLawSchoolandotherrelevantbodiesoragencies.

ITEME:DisciplinaryjurisdictionoftheSupremeCourt

(1) WhereitappearstotheSupremeCourtthatapersonwhosenameisontheRollhasbeenguiltyofinfamousconductinanyprofessionalrespectwithregardtoanymatterofwhichthecourtoranyothercourtofrecordinNigeriaisorhasbeenseized,theSupremeCourtmayifitthinksfit,afterhearinganyrepresentationsmadeandevidenceadducedbyoronbehalfofthatpersonandsuchotherpersonsasthecourtconsidersappropriate,givesuchadirectionasismentionedinParagraph1ofItemDofSchedule1,andthedirectionshalltakeeffectforthwith;andexceptinthecaseofanadmonitionthecourtshallcausenoticeofthedirectiontobepublishedintheFederalGovernmentGazette.

(2) Where it appears to theChief Justice that a legal practitioner shouldbe suspended from

practice, eitherwith a view to the institution against him of proceedings under this Actbefore theDisciplinary Committee orwhile any suchproceedings are pending, the ChiefJusticemay if he thinks fit, after affording thepractitioner inquestionanopportunityofmakingrepresentationsinthematter,givesuchdirectionasisauthorizedbyparagraph1(ii) of Item D of Schedule 1 and in deciding whether to give such a direction inconsequenceof theconvictionofa legalpractitioner, theChief JusticeshallbeentitledtodisregardtheprovisionsofParagraph5ofItemDofSchedule1.


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ITEMF:RestorationofNamestoRoll,Etc.(1) WhereeitherbeforeorafterthecommencementofthisActthenameofanypersonhas

beenstruckofftheRollorapersonhasbeenorisdeemedtohavebeensuspendedfrompractice,hemay,subjecttotheprovisionsofParagraph2ofItemFofSchedule1,makeanapplication for the restoration of his name to the Roll or the cancellation of thesuspension-

(a) If the striking off or suspensionwas ordered by the Chief Justice or the Supreme

Court,tothatCourt;and(b) Inanyothercase,totheDisciplinaryCommittee.

(2) AdirectionunderParagraph1ofItemBofSchedule1orParagraph1ofthedisciplinaryjurisdictionoftheSupremeCourtofthisActmayprohibitanapplicationunderParagraph1ofthisItemuntiltheexpirationoftheperiodspecifiedinthedirection;andwheresuchan application is duly made to the Supreme Court or the Disciplinary Committee, thecourt or Disciplinary Committee may direct that no further application shall be madeunderParagraph1ofthisItemuntiltheexpirationoftheperiodspecifiedinthedirectionunderthissubsection.

SECONDSCHEDULE

ITEMA:TheLegalPractitionersPrivilegesCommittee:

1. There shall be the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee of the Body of Bencherswhich shallconsistof:

(a) TheChiefJusticeofNigeriaastheChairman;

(b) TheJusticeoftheSupremeCourtnextinsenioritytotheChiefJustice;

(c) ThePresidentoftheCourtofAppeal;

(d) TheAttorney-GeneraloftheFederation;

(e) ThePresidentoftheNBA;

(f) Two(2)pastPresidentsoftheNBA;

(g) TheChiefJudgeoftheFederalHighCourt;

(h) Six)(6)ChiefJudgesoftheHighCourtsofStatesappointedbytheChiefJusticeofNigeria


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inrotationfromamongstatesconstitutingeachofthesixgeographicalzones;

(i) Six(6)SeniorAdvocatesofNigerianominatedbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeoftheNBA;and

(j) Two(2)LifeBenchersselectedbytheChairmanoftheBodyofBenchers

2.ThemembersofthePrivilegesCommitteeappointedunderParagraph1(f),(h)and(i)aboveshallholdofficeforatermof2years,renewableonlyonce.

3.ThePrivilegesCommitteemayact,proceedorfunctioneveniftherearevacanciesinitsmembership.

4.QuorumforPrivilegesCommitteeproceedingsis9.

5.ThePrivilegesCommitteemaybyinstrumentconferonanydeservingLegalPractitionertherankofSeniorAdvocateofNigeria.6.EligibilityforRankofSAN

A candidate for a rank of SAN must be a Legal Practitioner with at least 15 years’ post-callexperience,whohasachieveddistinctionintheLegalProfession.

7.TheLegalPractitioners’PrivilegesCommitteeshall,withtheapprovaloftheBodyofBenchersmakerulesas to theprivileges tobeaccorded toSeniorAdvocatesofNigeria,as to the functionsofa legalpractitioner, which are not to be performed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as to the mode ofappearancebeforecourtsbyaSeniorAdvocateofNigeria,andgenerally,butwithoutprejudicetotheforegoing,forensuringthedignityoftherankofSeniorAdvocateofNigeria.8. ThePrivilegesCommitteewiththeapprovaloftheBodyofBenchersshallmake,retainorreviewrulesandcriteriaforconfermentoftherankofSAN,butmaystipulateclearconditionsforwithdrawalof the rank, and those conditions must stipulate prior disciplinary proceedings against any erringSeniorAdvocateofNigeria.

ITEMB:LegalPractitionersRemunerationCommittee1.ThereshallbetheLegalPractitionersRemunerationCommitteewhichshallconsistof:

(a) Attorney-GeneraloftheFederationasChairman;(b) Six(6)StatesAttorneys-General;


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(c) NBAPresidents(PastandPresent);(d) Six(6)NBAmembersnominatedbytheNBANationalExecutiveCommittee.

2.QuorumforRemunerationCommitteeproceedingsshallbetheChairmanand8members. (a)TheCommitteeshallhavepowertomakeordersregulatinggenerallythechargesoflegal

practitioners and, without prejudice to the generality of that power, any such order mayincludeprovisionastoalloranyofthefollowingmatters,thatistosay-

i. Themaximumchargeswhichmaybemadeinrespectofanytransactionoractivityofadescriptionspecifiedbytheorder;

ii. The ascertainment of the charges appropriate for any transaction or activity byreferencetosuchconsiderationasmaybesospecified;

iii. The taking by practitioners of security for the payment of their charges and theallowanceofinterestwithrespecttothesecurity;and

iv. Agreementsbetweenpractitionersandclientswithrespecttocharges.

(b)Until the firstordermade inpursuanceof this section comes into force,nothing in thissectionshallbeconstruedasaffectingthelawinforceinanypartofNigeriawithrespecttotheremunerationofLegalPractitioners.

3. (a) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a Legal Practitioner shall be entitled to recover his

chargesbyactioninanyCourtofcompetentjurisdiction.

(b)Subjectasaforesaid,alegalpractitionershallnotbeentitledtobeginanactiontorecoverhischargesunless-i. abillforthechargescontainingparticularsoftheprincipalitemsincludedinthebillandsignedbyhim,orinthecaseofafirm,byoneofthepartnersorinthenameofthefirm, has been servedon the client personally or left for himat his last address asknowntothePractitionerorsentbypostaddressedtotheclientatthataddress;and

ii. theperiodof30daysbeginningwiththedateofdeliveryofthebillhasexpired.

(c) In any case in which a Legal Practitioner satisfies the court, on an application madeexparteorifthecourtsodirectsaftergivingtheprescribednotice:

i. thathehasdeliveredabillofchargestoaclient;andii. thatonthefaceofitthechargesappeartobeproperinthecircumstances;and


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iii. thattherearecircumstancesindicatingthattheclientisabouttodosomeactwhichwouldprobablypreventordelaythepaymenttothePractitionerofthecharges,thecourt may direct that the Practitioner be authorized to bring and prosecute anactiontorecoverthechargesunlesstheclientgivessuchsecurityforthepaymentofthechargesasmaybespecifiedinthedirection.

(d)TheCourtmay,ifitthinksfit,ontheapplicationoftheclient:

i. orderaLegalPractitionertodeliverhisbillofchargestotheclient;ii. makeanorderforthedeliveryupof,orotherwiseinrelationto,anydocumentsin

thecontrolofthePractitionerwhichbelongtoorwerereceivedbyhimfromoronbehalf of the client, andwithout prejudice to the generality of the powers of theCourt to punish for contempt or to the provisions of this Act relating to thedisciplineofLegalPractitioners,thecourtmaypunishforcontemptanypractitionerwhorefusesorfailstocomplywithanorderunderthissubsection.

(e) The value of any consideration received by any person for anything done by a LegalPractitionerinhiscapacityasaLegalPractitionershall,insofarasthevalueexceedstheminimumchargestowhichbyvirtueofthisActthepractitionerisentitledinrespectofthat thing,be recoverable fromanypersonwhoreceived theconsiderationor from thePractitioner by the person from whom the consideration moved either directly orindirectly.

ITEMC:Clients’Accounts1. (a)Subjecttoparagraph(d)ofthisItem,theBarCouncilmayfromtimetotimeasthe Councilconsidersexpedient,makerules:

i. AstotheopeningandkeepingbyLegalPractitionersofaccountsatbanksforclients’moneys;and

ii. As to the keeping by Legal Practitioners of records containing particulars andinformationastomoneysreceived,heldorpaidbythemfororonaccountoftheirclient;and

iii. Astotheopeningandkeepingbyalegalpractitionerwhoisthesoletrustee,orwhois a co-trustee only with one or more of his partners, clerks or servants, of anaccountatabankformoneysofanytrustofwhichheisthesoletrusteeorsuchaco-trusteeasaforesaid;and


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iv. As to the keeping by such a practitioner as ismentioned in paragraph (c) of this

subsection,ofrecordscontainingparticularsandinformationastomoneysreceived,heldorpaidbyhimfororonaccountofanysuchtrustasissomentioned;and

v. EmpoweringtheBarCounciltotakesuchactionasitthinksnecessarytoenableittoascertainwhethertherulesarebeingcompliedwith.

(b) Rulesmade under paragraph (a) of this section shall not come into force until they areapproved by order of the Attorney-General, either without modification or with suchmodificationsashethinksfit;butbeforeapprovinganysuchruleswithmodificationstheAttorney-General shall afford the Bar Council an opportunity ofmaking representationswithrespecttotheproposedmodificationsandshallconsideranyrepresentationsmadeinpursuanceofthissubsection.

(c)IfitappearstotheAttorney-Generalthatanyrulesshouldbemade,revokedoralteredin

exercise of the powers conferred on the Bar Council by this section, he shall make arecommendation in thatbehalf to theBarCouncil;and ifwithintheperiodofsixmonthsbeginningwith thedateof the recommendation theCouncil hasnot acted in accordancewiththerecommendation,theAttorney-Generalmay,withintheperiodoftwelvemonthsbeginningwiththatdate,makerulesgivingeffecttotherecommendation.

(d)Rulesunderthissectionshallnotrequirethekeepingofaccountorrecords:

i. by a Legal Practitioner in respect of moneys received, held or paid by him as amemberofthepublicserviceoftheFederationoraState;or

ii. insuchothercircumstancesasmaybespecifiedbytherules.

(e)Forthepurposesofthissection,“trustee”includespersonalrepresentatives,andinrelationtoapersonalrepresentativeanyreference toa trustshallbeconstruedasareference tothedeceased’sestate.

2. (a)AbankatwhichaLegalPractitionerkeepsanaccountforclients’moneysshallnot,in respectofanyliabilityofthepractitionertothebankwhichdoesnotariseinconnectionwith

that account, haveor obtain any recourseor right,whetherbywayof set-off, counter-claim,chargeorotherwise,againstmoneysstandingtothecreditofthataccount.

(b) A bank shall not, in connection with any transaction in respect of an account of a Legal

Practitionerkept for clients’moneyswith thatorwithanyotherbank (other thananaccount


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keptbyhimastrusteeforaspecifiedbeneficiary)incuranyliability,orbeunderanyobligationtomake any inquiry, or be deemed to have any knowledge of any right of any person to anymoneypaidorcreditedtotheaccount,whichitwouldnotincurorbedeemedtohaveinthecaseof an account kept by a person entitled absolutely to all the money paid or credited to theaccount.

(c)TheBodyofBenchersshallhavepowerstoissueandenforceguidelineswithrespecttothe

operationofClientAccount. ITEMD:UnauthorizedPracticeofLaw1. Apersoncommitsanoffencepunishablewithaminimumof3(Three)yearsimprisonmentora

fineofN5,000,000(FiveMillionNaira)orbothif;notbeingaLegalPractitioner,hedoesanyofthefollowing:

(a)practiceslaw,oroffershimselfoutaspracticinglaw;

(b)assumes,takesoruses(inthecontextoflawbusiness)thetitleoflegalpractitioner,oranyaddition,appellation,appendage,description, label,name,prefix,or suffix implyingorsuggestingthatheisalegalpractitioner; (c) pretends to be a legal practitioner, or that he is qualified or recognized to act as aLegalPractitioner;(d)doesanything,ormakesanyomission,withtheintentionofimplyingthatheisaLegalPractitioner;or(e) prepares for, or in expectation of reward or consideration, any document orinstrument relating to movable or immovable property, goods or services, probate orlettersofadministration,orcourtproceedings.

2. (a)SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisItem,ifany,personotherthanaLegalPractitioner:

i. Practices,orholdshimselfouttopractice,asaLegalPractitioner;or

ii. TakesorusesthetitleofLegalPractitioner;

iii. Willfully takes or uses any name, title, addition or description falsely implying orotherwisepretends,thatheisalegalpractitionerorisqualifiedorrecognizedbylaw


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toactasalegalpractitioner;

iv. Prepares inexpectationofrewardany instrumentrelatingto immovableproperty,orrelatingtoorwithaviewtothegrantofprobateor lettersofadministration,orrelatingtoorwithaviewtoproceedingsinanycourtofrecordinNigeria,shallbeguiltyofanoffenceandliable,inthecaseofanoffenceunderparagraph2(i)ofthisItemorasecondorsubsequentoffenceunderparagraph2(iv)ofthisItem,toafineofanamountnotlessthanN5,000,000(FiveMillionNaira)orimprisonmentforatermnotlessthan3(Three)yearsorboth.

(b) Nothing in paragraph 1 of this Item shall prevent a person from being dealt with forcontemptofcourt,butnoproceedingsforanoffenceunderthissectionshallbebroughtorcontinuedagainstapersoninrespectofanyactifhehasbeendealtwithforcontemptofCourtinrespectofthatact.

(c)Nothinginparagraph2(iv)ofthisItemshallbeconstruedasmakingitanoffenceforany

persontoprepareaninstrument:i. InthecourseofhisactivitiesasapupilofaLegalPractitioner;

ii. Relatingonlytopropertyinwhichhehasorclaimsaninterest(includinganinterestas a personal representative or as a person entitled to any part of the estate of adeceasedperson);

iii. Relating only to proceedings to which he is a party, or prepared with a view toproceedingstowhichhemaybeaparty;

iv. Forthepurposeofonlyrecordinginformationorexpertopinionintendedforusein,orwithaviewto,anyproceeding;

v. Whichis,orisintendedtobe,awillorothertestamentaryinstrument;

vi. OfsuchaclassordescriptionastheAttorney-Generalmaybyorderdetermine.

(d)WhereanoffenceunderthisBillwhichhasbeencommittedbyabodycorporateisprovedtohavebeencommittedwith theconsentorconnivanceof,or tobeattributable toanyneglectonthepartofanyLegalPractitioner,director,manager,secretaryorothersimilarofficer of the body corporate, he, aswell as the body corporate shall be deemed to be


26

guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punishedaccordingly.

(e) It is hereby declared that any agreement to transfer, either directly or indirectly, any

moneyorthinginconsiderationofanyactwhichconstitutesanoffenceunderthissectionis void; and any money or thing so transferred, or the value of the thing, shall berecoverablebythetransferorfromthetransfereeorfromanyotherpersonbywhomtheoffencewascommitted,whetherornotanyproceedingshavebeenbroughtinrespectoftheoffenceorthetimeforbringingsuchproceedingshasexpired.

3. Anyagreementtotransfer;eitherdirectlyorindirectly,anymoneyorthinginconsiderationofanyactwhichconstitutesanoffenceunderthisItemofthisscheduleisvoid;andanymoneyorthing so transferred, or the value of the thing, is recoverable by the transferor from thetransfereeor fromanyotherpersonbywhomtheoffencewascommitted,whetherornotanyproceedingshavebeenbroughtinrespectoftheoffenceorthetimeforbringingproceedingshasexpired.

4. Anydocumentorinstrumentpreparedcontrarytoparagraph1ofthisItemisvoid.


Documents

Legal Practitioners Act Cap. L11 LFN 2004 (Repeal and Re